In a class action lawsuit brought on by 97,000 current and former Wal-Mart workers in Iowa, the company has agreed to pay a settlement of $11 million. The workers alleged that they were forced to skip breaks or work off the clock.
The lawsuit was filed in 2001 and claimed that the company altered employee time records, did not compensate workers for off-the-clock work or overtime, and did not allow employees to take lunch or rest breaks.
As part of the agreement, Wal-Mart did not admit any wrongdoing. Final approval for the deal was given by Clinton County District Court Judge David Sivright.
In December of last year, Wal-Mart announced that it would pay as much as $640 million to settle 63 lawsuits across the country over wage and hour violations.
If you feel that you are being unfairly or improperly treated in the workplace, Charleston workers’ compensation lawyers suggest consulting an attorney to learn about the rights you are entitled to.
Source: Associated Press- “Wal-Mart to pay $11M to settle Iowa workers’ case”- October 13, 2009.
