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The two largest U.S. teacher unions joined a "back-to-school" boycott
against Wal-Mart Stores Inc., targeting one of the year's busiest shopping seasons
to protest the retailer's labor practices.
The 2.7-million-member National Education Assn., the biggest U.S. union, and
the 1.3-million-member American Federation of Teachers are teaming with the
United Food and Commercial Workers in urging shoppers to buy school supplies
elsewhere, the UFCW's Wake-Up Wal-Mart group said.
The unions held rallies in 32 cities, demanding that the company boost its wages,
expand health benefits and adhere to child-labor and discrimination laws.
Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart called the protest a publicity stunt and said
that its low prices helped educators and students.
Shares of Wal-Mart fell 38 cents to $48.84.
