By Sadef Ali Kully
Walmart, the largest private employer in the United States, recently introduced a wage increase of at least $9 an hour for its employees at Walmart stores across the nation by April this year.
At the Walmart located in Valley Stream, L.I., on the border near southeast Queens, almost 60 percent of the employees are Queens residents who will see an increase in their income, according to a Walmart spokesperson.
Over the last several years, Walmart has made several attempts to open up a super store within the five boroughs, like Queens and Staten Island, and the most recent effort was in September for a Brooklyn property which fell apart.
Walmart has constantly been faced with opposition from community leaders and elected officials in the city due to controversies associated with its employees and company policies.
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
