Wal-Mart Agrees to $11 Million Settlement in Iowa Class-Action Suit

From The Iowa Independent:

A Clinton County District Court judge gave final approval Tuesday for a deal that resolves a class-action lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and ends with the retail giant paying up to $11 million.

The suit, which was started in 2001 by workers Sally Mussman and Ronda Harmon, included nearly 100,000 current and former Iowa workers at Wal-Mart who alleged that they were forced to skip breaks and lunches and were required to work overtime without pay. Although Wal-Mart has agreed to the $11 million deal, the company does not have to admit wrongdoing as a part of the settlement.

The Iowa case is one of more than 50 across the nation that was based on or included wage and hour violations. Last year Wal-Mart, which continues to be one of the few retailers amassing profits in a downturn economy, said it would use up to $640 million to settle the suits. At least 15 other suits are also nearing agreements, pending court approval.