GAINESVILLE - About two dozen protesters stood in front of the Walmart on Archer Road in Alachua County to show their solidarity with other protesters across the country. 

 

After initially trying to protest in front of the store, the group was forced to move to the sidewalk along the road. Many of them held signs berating Walmart for what they say is low hourly pay and "union-busting tactics."

 

While the protest was organized by members of the "Occupy Gainesville" movement, there were a few current and former Walmart employees who joined them.

 

Friday night's protest comes on the same day as other Walmart protests around the country, including a nationwide walkout. These protests started after the retailer decided to open its stores on Thanksgiving Day.  

 

Walmart's corporate office released a statement on Friday, calling these protests "made for TV events," and stating that "the large majority of protesters aren’t even Walmart workers."