NATIONAL BRIEFING / WASHINGTON, D.C.
TIMES WIRE REPORTS
After years of strenuous opposition, Wal-Mart announced that it supported a controversial new requirement that businesses contribute to the cost of employee health insurance.
The announcement came after a White House meeting that brought together Wal-Mart, the liberal think tank Center for American Progress, and the Service Employees International Union, which has often sparred with the giant retailer over the benefits it provides its 1.4 million workers.
Three years ago, Wal-Mart battled initiatives in several states that would have required large employers to provide health insurance or contribute money toward workers’ coverage. Wal-Mart is the nation’s largest employer.
