WASHINGTON — Labor leaders blasted President Obama on Friday for visiting a Walmart store in California and touting the non-union retail’s giant’s clean- energy program.
“It’s a huge mistake for the president to be appearing with Walmart,” fumed Stuart Applebaum, president of the New York-based Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union. “Walmart is a low-wage employer that is responsible for a model that keeps people in poverty.”
New York labor leaders — with support from Mayor de Blasio — have successfully blocked Walmart from establishing a foothold in the city.
Obama defended the trip.
“This may look like a typical Walmart, but it’s not — and that’s why I’m here,” Obama told a crowd inside the store in Mountain View.
First Lady Michelle Obama also has teamed up with Walmart to promote her “Let’s Move” anti-obesity campaign.