Wal-Mart defends work at conference

ROGERS, Ark. -- Wal-Mart is "good for America" and the barrage of criticism against the company is an effort to protect the status quo in retailing, president and CEO Lee Scott said Tuesday in a sharp attack on community activists, organized labor and retail rivals.

Addressing about 50 journalists gathered this week at the company's conference -- its first ever media event -- Scott defended its wages and health-care plans, criticized by labor groups as inadequate, and said the company is able to save customers big money as it drives costs from its system.

The two-day conference is part of a stepped-up public relations campaign begun last year to burnish Wal-Mart's image and counter views that the world's largest retailer skimps on wages.