Anti-Wal Mart Union President Backs Congressman for Mayoral Race By MICHAEL SCHOLL

Two ardent foes of Wal-Mart joined forces yesterday when a union representing retail workers endorsed Rep. Anthony Weiner for mayor.

Stuart Applebaum, president of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), cited Weiner's opposition to Wal-Mart's expansion plans as one reason for the endorsement.

"No one will fight harder for the working men and women of New York City than Anthony Weiner," said Appelbaum, whose union has about 45,000 active members in New York City.

Wal-Mart has been looking at locations in Richmond Valley and Mariners Harbor. The RWDSU, citing Wal-Mart's non-union workforce and its low wages and benefits, has been fighting the big-boxer's efforts to secure a New York beachhead.

Weiner (D-Brooklyn/Queens) was among those who successfully opposed Wal-Mart's bid to open in Rego Park, Queens. He is similarly opposed to the chain's Staten Island plans.

Appelbaum also cited Weiner's overall record on labor issues and his efforts to secure a "fair and decent" contract for Duane Reade drugstore chain workers.

"Anthony's plan for New York City is about making the city more livable for working people and their families and those struggling to make it," Appelbaum said.

One of Weiner's Democratic mayoral rivals picked up some endorsements of his own yesterday, with former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer garnering the backing of three lawmakers.

The endorsements from Assemblymen Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan) and Jose Peralta (D-Queens) and City Councilman Miguel Martinez (D-Manhattan) were announced yesterday morning during a press conference held in front of City Hall -- less than an hour before Weiner was endorsed there by the RWDSU.