Walmart conducts retail and/or e-commerce operations in 24 countries around the world and sources product from more than 100 countries, each with its own unique cultural, economic, social, and political institutions and practices. We are a company of full-time and part-time associates from a variety of ethnicities, orientations, backgrounds and life experiences. We expect our associates, suppliers and contractors to act with personal integrity and in compliance with the laws of the communities in which they operate. We also expect our associates, suppliers and contractors to be champions and ambassadors of our culture and basic beliefs, including treating others with respect.
One of the basic beliefs upon which Sam Walton founded our company is “respect for the individual.” We believe in treating each other with respect, whether it is a co-worker, supplier, customer or anyone doing business with us. This means treating one another with fairness and courtesy in all of our interactions in the workplace and as members of society. Furthermore, we are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. Walmart does not discriminate in employment, employment-related decisions or in business dealings on the basis of an individual’s race, color, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or any other status protected by law or local policy.
Our Standards for Suppliers express our company’s expectations of suppliers and their facilities regarding the ethical treatment of workers, workplace safety, environmental responsibility, and appropriate business practices. Suppliers meet these standards by operating their businesses in an ethical and sustainable way. Our programs set expectations, establish accountability, and provide resources and training for our associates, suppliers and facility management. We believe driving accountability and continuous improvement throughout our supply chain has a positive impact on the communities where we and our suppliers conduct business; for that reason, our continued presence in challenging parts of the world is more likely to address human rights deprivations than would withdrawing our business.
Because of our basic belief in respect for the individual, we seek to use our scale and capabilities to help people and communities. In addition to creating opportunities for our associates to develop and advance, we collaborate with suppliers, government, civil society and others to address pressing issues such as poverty, hunger, climate change and natural disasters. Walmart also creates economic opportunity for people and businesses in our supply chains by sourcing products from economically underserved areas, implementing programs that advance women’s economic mobility, creating advancement opportunities for people in retail and related sectors, promoting local manufacturing, championing supplier diversity and helping suppliers and small businesses grow.