Walmart protesters demand more full-time positions, living wage outside Chicago store

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Black Friday shoppers got a raucous greeting at a Walmart store in downtown Chicago by about 100 sign-waving, chanting protesters.

The protesters, led by union-backed group "Our Walmart," say they want the retail giant to add more full-time positions and pay employees a living wage - $15 an hour.

Our Walmart, made up of current and former Walmart workers, planned to target about 1,600 stores across the nation on Friday, holding rallies, sit-ins, walkouts and other forms of protest.

They stood outside the store in Chicago waving signs and chanting, "Walmart, Walmart, you're no good. Treat your workers like you should."

Some workers also delivered a letter with their demands to the store manager. They said the manager told them he wanted to read it before commenting.

Fifty-three-year-old Linda Haluska said she's worked at a Walmart in Illinois for nine years. She said some co-workers fear retaliation if they ask for higher wages or even accommodations for a pregnancy.

Employee Faye Brim disagrees with the protesters. The 62-year-old from Chicago said she's bought a home and raised two kids on what Walmart has paid her.

On Thursday night, members of Jobs with Justice, Occupy Naperville and Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice protested outside the Walmart in northwest suburban Elgin.

Walmart issued this statement:

"Even with more associates scheduled to work than ever, fewer associates called out absent over the past day than we see on a typical day. That tells us our associates are excited to be there for our customers at this special time, and they are not joining in made-for-TV demonstrations in any meaningful way. Our associates do an absolutely incredible job on Black Friday, and we won't let anyone try to distract from the credit our associates deserve for their hard work. Perception is never reality with labor unions. The crowds are mostly made up of paid union demonstrators and they are not representative of our 1.3 million associates across the country. This is our busiest time of the year. We're excited to kick-off the holiday season and are focused on serving our customers. It's unfortunate that this group attempts to disrupt the holiday spirit to push their agenda. The reality is that Walmart is focused every day on providing our associates with opportunities for job growth."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.