Wal-Mart Workers in Canada Apply to Union

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. workers at seven tire centers in British Columbia applied to join the United Food and Commercial Workers, expanding efforts by Canadian unions to make inroads at the world’s largest retailer.

The union said it was targeting Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart because it was concerned that the company’s expansion in Canada would put pressure on local rivals to lower wages.

The retailer operates 234 Wal-Mart and six Sam’s Club stores across the country.