Group Protests Wal-Mart Health Coverage

The Wal-Mart corporation took the defensive on Tuesday after hundreds gathered in New York to protest a lack of health care for employees. The group, called Wake Up Wal-Mart, formed a picket line in front of a New York hotel to let Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott know how they felt before he met with The Better Health Care Together Coalition. The "wake up" group claims that the worlds largest retailer denies over 700,000 employees the benefits of health coverage, but Wal-Mart says that over 90% of the companys U.S. employees are covered either through the company or a spouse. In reaction to Tuesdays protest Wal-Mart released this statement. "The UFCW may resort to political gimmicks, but that will not change Wal-Marts resolve to put aside differences with other well-meaning groups to help resolve Americas health care crisis. We are working with the SEIU and partnering with the best in other businesses, government and non-profit groups to change the current health care situation in this country. "And as our paid critics put on yet another media stunt, we will take this opportunity to correct the record yet again - every full-time and part-time Wal-Mart associate who works in the continental U.S. can become eligible for individual coverage for as little as $23 per month. Children can also get coverage starting at less than 50 cents a day, no matter how many children. We are also proud to share that over 90 percent of Wal-Mart workers have health care coverage."