Teacher Unions Join Boycott of Wal-Mart

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.