South African labor unions ready to strike against Wal-Mart

New York City South African labor leaders say they will strike if necessary to force Wal-Mart to respect unions when the discounter makes its African debut, the Associated Press reported.

In September, Wal-Mart started the process of buying South African retailer Massmart.

On Thursday, South Africa's main retail union said it would approach government trade regulators with concerns Wal-Mart was anti-union and that it could destroy local supply businesses because it sources so many of its products from China, according to the report. Besides asking regulators to set conditions on any Wal-Mart deal, Amos Mothapo says his union is prepared to strike.

Wal-Mart spokesman Kevin Gardner says the company is "committed to working constructively with the local unions."