Demonstrators march in Westbury store to call for better pay, affordable health plan for workers BY LAUREN WEBER
STAFF WRITER
November 19, 2005, 10:35 PM EST
Protesters from a coalition of labor and community groups raised a ruckus at Wal-Mart's Westbury store yesterday, storming inside over the objections of management and blasting the retail giant's employment practices.
A Wal-Mart spokeswoman said the demonstration, which temporarily halted business, was disruptive and primarily a publicity stunt.
With a handful of police officers present, about 85 protesters marched through the store chanting, shaking noisemakers and handing out fliers. They said the company pays low wages and that its health care plan is too pricey for most workers.
Store management declined to comment, but corporate spokeswoman Mia Masten said in a phone interview that Wal-Mart offers competitive wages and benefits as well as health care.