Protesters gather at Walmart in Pico Rivera; 23 arrests made

PICO RIVERA, Calif. (KABC) -- At least 23 people were arrested for failure to disperse at a protest held inside and outside Walmart in Pico Rivera Thursday night.

About 300 protesters gathered near the store in the 8500 block of Washington Boulevard over working conditions and compensation. A sit-down strike was also held inside the store.

Pico Rivera Sheriff's Station Lt. Joe Mendoza said approximately 20 people were blocking traffic near the intersection of Washington and Paramount boulevards. Deputies shortly issued a dispersal order, Mendoza said.

Eleven males and 12 females were arrested at about 6:30 p.m. after they failed to comply. The scene has since cleared.

A group supported by the United Food & Commercial Workers union are demanding a minimum wage of $15 an hour and full-time work for employees of the nation's largest retailer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.