UFCW's President Hansen Leads Calls For Investigation into Walmart's Business Practices

In the wake of an explosive New York Times’ report about Walmart's unlawful business practices in Mexico  and elsewhere, UFCW International President Joe Hansen has called for a federal investigation into the company’s conduct.

As President Hansen told ABC about the allegations, "They raised question in my mind about stores approved in the U.S., where zoning laws changed quickly and permits were issued quickly. I think we'll now see people go back and ask questions about that."

Members of Congress have asked for an investigation, and the Department of Justice may already be looking into the company.

In a statement, President Hansen said that: 

The reported cover-up by WalMart executives at the highest levels exposes a core truth: WalMart cannot be taken at its word. A Department of Justice investigation into foreign bribery is an urgently needed first step. Congress should immediately convene hearings to examine whether WalMart is using these unethical business practices in their U.S. operations.

Meanwhile, elected officials in NYC are expressing opposition to Walmart’s potential move into their city. As WNYC is reporting:

Several mayoral hopefuls, from Speaker Christine Quinn and Public Advocate Bill deBlasio to Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and City Comptroller John Liu, issued statements citing Walmart's potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act as evidence that the company could not be trusted here in New York City. 

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