MyUSTINET News: BRIEF: Wal-Mart Broke Minnesota Labor Law, Judge Rules

Star Tribune, Minneapolis Jul. 1--Wal-Mart broke Minnesota labor law more than 2 million times over six years by forcing some employees to work without breaks and without full pay, Dakota County District Court Judge Robert King Jr. ruled Monday in Hastings.

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The violations carry a penalty of up to $1,000 each, adding up to a potential $2 billion fine, according to plaintiff's attorney Jon Parritz in Minneapolis.

The suit was filed in 2001 on behalf of 56,000 current and former Wal-Mart and Sam's Club employees in Minnesota. In addition to the penalties, Wal-Mart owes workers at least $6 million in back wages, said Parritz, an attorney at the Maslon law firm.

"We think this sends a loud message to Wal-Mart that compliance with wage and hour law is important, and employees will have their day in court", he said.

Daphne Moore, a Wal-Mart spokeswoman, said the Arkansas-based discount chain is "reviewing the order, and we are considering the option of appeal." Moore said it is company policy to pay for every hour an employee works, and "any manager who violates that policy is subject to discipline up to and including termination",

--H.J. Cummins --612-673-4671

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