Walmart Reviews Prison Labor Policy After Civil Unrest Over Race

Walmart Inc. is reviewing its policy on working with suppliers that use prison labor as civil unrest over systemic racism roils the U.S. and activists target companies that benefit from the practice.

“As permitted by law, a small number of our U.S. suppliers use voluntary labor as part of prison rehabilitation programs,” Walmart said in an emailed statement provided by spokesperson Tricia Moriarty. The company’s policies “strictly prohibit involuntary prison labor” and workers that are employed by Walmart suppliers are paid “prevailing wages,” the retailer said.

The review is part of the firm’s racial equity initiatives announced this month as ...