Wal-Mart has promised to start holding its international-based suppliers accountable for poor environmental and labor standards. The company has come under mounting fire from organized opponents over issues including the environmental and labor standards of low-cost manufacturers it buys from overseas. Wal-Mart has promised to be more involved in its suppliers' businesses to make sure they are accountable.
See "Wal-Mart to Toughen Overseas Standards", Associated Press, The New York Times, October 19, 2005