OCTOBER 2009
CONTRACT SUPPLY CHAIN:
Wal-Mart was recently picked by Americans as the most admired company in the United States. This was not the case just 4 years ago. A lot has happened since then.
The largest company in the world announced that it has made a major change to the way that it does business. It recognized that positive environmental change and social change can be positives for a company.
It can offer lower prices and accomplish positive change in the supply chain. Wal-Mart has decided to provide leadership to the world in the improvement of working conditions and human labor efforts. It will consolidate the suppliers in order to provide easier education, monitoring, and leadership. Initially, it will pay more for merchandise to allow a supplier to pay employees more and provide more occupational and product safety. Increased and more consistant volume will allow a supplier to eventually lower prices to Wal-Mart while improving worker conditions.
These changes will improve the company image and show that America can provide leadership to improve the dignity of man in the world.
Responsible advocacy played a part in this momentous decision which will affect millions of laborers over the next years.
Aquinas staff have been involved with and continue to meet with Wal-Mart executives on this topic on a regular basis.
