Wal-Mart signs ‘responsible’ deal with employees

Wal-Mart, the world’s biggest retailer, and its employees in Shenyang, north-east China, have signed a collective contract under which pay will rise at an eight per cent annual rate in 2008 and 2009. Other points include a minimum salary agreement, holiday and overtime pay, and social security treatment.

The contract is being seen as the first among Wal-Mart’s 100 or more stores in China.

Ju Xiuli, chairman of Shenyang City Trade Union, claimed that the contract reflected Wal-Mart’s commitment to fulfilling social responsibilities and its sincerity while implementing China’s labour and contract law.