Wal-Mart Buys Ad to Tell "Unfiltered Truth" About Labor Practices
BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- In full-page ads published in more than 100 newspapers across the country, Wal-Mart c.e.o. H. Lee Scott said yesterday it was time for the public to hear the "unfiltered truth" about Wal-Mart, and time for the company to stand up on behalf of a workforce that includes 1.2 million Americans.
"There are a lot of 'urban legends' going around these days about Wal-Mart," Scott said. "But facts are facts. Wal-Mart is good for consumers, good for communities and good for the economy."
In what Scott acknowledged was an "unusual approach" for Wal-Mart, the company placed ads in newspapers all over the nation. The ad is a direct letter from Scott.
"For too long, others have had free rein to say things about our company that just aren't true," Scott continued. "Our associates are tired of it and we've decided it's time to draw our own line in the sand.
"We understand that, as one of the most visible corporations in the world, we will be a target for criticism. When it is valid, we try to learn from it and become a better company," Scott said. "But we have made a commitment to our associates, customers and suppliers that when false allegations are made about Wal-Mart, we will actively correct the record. That's what this day is all about."
Today Wal-Mart also launched a non-commercial Web site, www.walmartfacts.com, to help its associates, consumers, reporters and others learn the facts about the company.
"There are a lot of 'urban legends' going around these days about Wal-Mart," Scott said. "But facts are facts. Wal-Mart is good for consumers, good for communities and good for the economy."
In what Scott acknowledged was an "unusual approach" for Wal-Mart, the company placed ads in newspapers all over the nation. The ad is a direct letter from Scott.
"For too long, others have had free rein to say things about our company that just aren't true," Scott continued. "Our associates are tired of it and we've decided it's time to draw our own line in the sand.
"We understand that, as one of the most visible corporations in the world, we will be a target for criticism. When it is valid, we try to learn from it and become a better company," Scott said. "But we have made a commitment to our associates, customers and suppliers that when false allegations are made about Wal-Mart, we will actively correct the record. That's what this day is all about."
Today Wal-Mart also launched a non-commercial Web site, www.walmartfacts.com, to help its associates, consumers, reporters and others learn the facts about the company.