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The recent report that Walmart tried to bury an internal investigation of its own widespread, systematic bribery used at many levels of the Mexican government in order to guarantee its market dominance in the country was swiftly condemned by UNI GLOBAL UNION. Recently released information has revealed that after the CEO pushed for a less aggressive investigation in Mexico, executives shifted responsibility for the investigation to a top lawyer who was implicated in the inquiry and promoted the senior executive responsible for the scheme. In addition to passing a resolution at UNI America´s Executive Board condemning Walmart´s actions, UNI America’s wrote to President Calderon to launch a full investigation immediately and ensure any guilty parties are brought to justice. The following day, the Mexican government announced that it would begin an investigation. On April 27 2012, UNI Global Union made a further demand that the US Justice Department to carry out a global review into how Walmart is operating in light of the serious corruption allegations in Mexico.



The consequences of Walmart's market dominance for Mexican workers, farmers and communities have been severe. Walmart (Walmex in Mexico) squeezed its local suppliers to the extent that many were unable to remain profitable and went out of business. Within a decade of Walmart's entry, more than half of the products sold at Walmex were imported, mostly from China. Walmart pushed down the prices paid to farmers as well and many small farmers were kept out of global retail completely. UNI Americas Regional Secretary Adriana Rosenzvaig said, “Of course it is a positive move that President Calderon and his government have heeded the calls by us and other members of the international community. But what we want to see is justice for the thousands of farmers, workers and whole communities who have suffered because of the Walmart invasion which now appears to have been accomplished through massive institutionalised bribery. We demand compensation for the affected communities.”



In keeping with its practice of completely blocking unions in the United States, Walmart chose to enter into protection agreements in Mexico. These hold conditions down and block its workers from a real voice on the job. The contracts also silence workers from freely speaking up on such important issues as gender discrimination, wage and hour abuses, child labour and corruption. UNI Global Union General Secretary, Philip Jennings said, “If these allegations are proven they could be just the tip of the iceberg. The probe into Walmart is widening as Walmart’s labour practices come into focus.” Bribery in Mexico is an unacceptable path for aggressive economic expansion. It undermines the integrity and sovereignty of Mexico and unfairly prejudices others in the commerce sector.