The Associated Press reports the unions, which represent 6 million workers, say Wal-Mart provides inadequate health care.
The Change to Win labor federation says the company's practice of providing low pay and benefits brings down the middle class.
Spokeswoman Carole Florman says, "You can't really talk about these issues without talking about Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart drags everybody down, but they are not the only bad actor out there."
The nation's largest employer says the protests ignore the fact it created 225,000 jobs in the U.S. last year. Wal-Mart says that for the retail sector, it pays above average.
Spokesman Dan Fogleman says, "We are an economic engine. Wal-Mart is good for the communities we serve."
