Protest at Walmart on Black Friday

(WTNH) -- Members of New England Health Care Workers Union 1199 staged a Black Friday protest outside some Connecticut Walmart stores.

The union, and others like it around the country are protesting working conditions at Walmart.

Union members want the profitable retailer to provide better paying jobs and health care to thousands of Connecticut workers. They're also asking for people to shop elsewhere.

"This is not a company that is struggling, it's huge," said union member Jeff Welsh. "They've got lots of money, and they are stepping on the legal rights of employees and people who are struggling making money, and that's why they're out here."

Walmart says the number of protests around the country have been greatly exaggerated. Executives say the number of employees who missed their scheduled Black Friday shift is lower this year than last.

Friday officially marks 32 days left in the Christmas shopping season.