FDI in multi-brand retail may harm Indian workers: UNI Global Union report

23 Aug 2012 Evaluate

Making the point stronger for those opposing the foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, Switzerland-based UNI Global Union has presented a paper on 'Wal-Mart's Global Track Record and the implication for FDI in multi-brand retail’ and has said that FDI in multi-brand retail will harm Indian workers.

The statement came from minister of state for commerce and industry Jyotiraditya Scindia, who few days ago reported that only few of the Indian states affirmed for FDI in multi-brand retail and later said that ten states were ready to support the cause.

The minister quoted that ‘the paper dwells on the business practices of Wal-Mart in some countries and concludes, interalia, that without adequate safeguards put in place, FDI in multi-brand retail will lead to widespread displacement and poor treatment of Indian workers in retail, logistics, agriculture and manufacturing.’

The report discusses the potential effects of globalised modern retail, on four groups of stakeholders: modern retail workers, small retailers (kiranas and hawkers), supply chain intermediaries (e.g. wholesalers), and producers. UNI recognizes that the conditions and experiences in each country vary, and acknowledges that India needs to craft its own policies. It has said that a number of large global retailers are poised to invest in India if the barrier to FDI is removed. But FDI without strong conditions in place could lead to massive disruption of the Indian economy and society.

The report gains significance as the US-based world's largest retailer Wal-Mart has already established its presence in the Indian market through a wholesale cash and carry stores and along with several other global chains is waiting for implementation of the government decision to permit 51 per cent FDI in multi-brand retail.

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