Wal-Mart to pay $54.25 million to settle Minnesota lawsuit

[jillithian]

from St. Cloud Times

Wal-Mart to pay $54.25 million to settle Minnesota lawsuit

The Associated Press • December 9, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will pay up to $54.25 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that alleged the discount giant cut workers’ break time and allowed employees to work off the clock in Minnesota.

Wal-Mart and attorneys for the plaintiffs announced the settlement today.

The class includes about 100,000 current and former hourly workers who were employed at Wal-Mart Stores and Sam’s Clubs in Minnesota from Sept. 11, 1998, through Nov. 14, 2008.

Wal-Mart has also agreed to maintain electronic systems, surveys and notices to stay compliant with wage and hour policies and Minnesota laws.

In July, a Dakota County judge ruled against Wal-Mart in the lawsuit, saying the Bentonville, Ark.-based retailer violated state labor laws 2 million times by cutting worker break time and “willfully” allowing employees to work off the clock. Court proceedings had been scheduled for next month to determine punitive damages.