Labor union gives Wal-Mart failing grades, protest

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.wiltonvillager.com/wilton_templates/wilton_story/377055032977128.php

By PATRICK LINSEY

[e-mail]

NORWALK — As area retailers gear up for the back-to-school season, a labor group has already issued Wal-Mart's report card for the mega-chain's treatment of its workers: Straight Fs.

Members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 371 protested outside the Wal-Mart on Route 7 in Norwalk Wednesday afternoon, complaining Wal-Mart breaks child labor laws, discriminates against women and forces the government to fund its workers' health care.

"To afford a one-bedroom apartment in Norwalk, you have to make $25 per hour," said Brian A. Petronella, president of UFCW Local 371. "Wal-Mart workers are lucky if they make $12 per hour."

Protesters handed pamphlets to drivers as they entered the parking lot — undeterred by the August heat, even as the mercury climbed to 95 degrees.

"A little bit of sweat never hurt anybody," said Jean Federici, the union's shop steward at a Stop & Shop down the road.

Union members cited fines Wal-Mart has paid for breaking child labor laws and a class-action lawsuit against the retailer alleging it discriminated against women.


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