The head of a South Florida labor-rights group was arrested on assault charges Thursday after about 20 protesters clashed with a Wal-Mart manager outside the retail giant's store in North Lauderdale.
Alyce E. Gowdy, 30, who runs South Florida Jobs with Justice, and Jean A. Janvier, 41, were arrested during a protest against Wal-Mart's labor practices. Some of the demonstrators were dressed as Santa and elves.
Someone called 911 after one of the protesters pushed the store's manager, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office. Deputies arrived at 3:24 p.m. at the store at 7300 W. McNab Road and took Gowdy and Janvier into custody.
The demonstration was part of a national campaign by a group called WakeUpWalMart.com. The group is financed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.
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