Two union-backed groups merge efforts to push Wal-Mart for better pay, benefits

Little Rock, Ark. Two union-backed groups announced Friday they are joining forces so they can combine their efforts to pressure Wal-Mart Stores to provide higher pay and better benefits.

Wal-Mart Watch, backed by the Service Employees International Union, will now operate under the name WakeUpWalMart.com, a group backed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. Both groups have spent years criticizing Wal-Mart, issuing news releases, running ads and enlisting Wal-Mart workers.

UFCW spokeswoman Meghan Scott says the groups share the same goals of pushing Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart to pay higher wages and improve health coverage and other benefits.