Wal-Mart to pay $54.25mn to settle US lawsuit

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 on Tuesday.

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 policies and Minnesota laws.

In July, a Dakota County judge ruled against Wal-Mart in the lawsuit, saying the Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer violated state labor laws two 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.