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Court Gives Final Settlement Approval to Wage and Hour Lawsuit by Washington Walmart Employees; One Month Left to File Claims
July 22, 2009
SEATTLE, Washington July 22, 2009
King County Superior Court Judge Julie Spector granted final approval on Monday to a settlement that resolves a class action lawsuit brought in 2001 by Walmart workers in Washington State who alleged they were deprived of meal and rest breaks and worked off the clock at Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs. "We are pleased that Judge Spector found the settlement is fair, adequate, and reasonable," notes Class Counsel Beth Terrell of Seattle law firm Terrell Marshall & Daudt PLLC. The settlement provides for monetary compensation and injunctive relief.
The injunctive relief benefits all employees by requiring Walmart to continue to take steps to prevent wage and hour violations at its 50 stores and clubs in Washington, steps that include the use of new technologies and compliance tools. As for monetary compensation, employees who fill out a simple claim form are eligible to receive a cash fill out a claim form if they want a share of the settlement proceeds. The claim form only takes a few minutes to fill out," states Rachel Geman of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP, Class Counsel. Ms. Terrell further notes that "Employees still have until August 19th to submit a claim form and both Class Counsel and a claims administrator are available to help class members with any questions." Claim forms are available at www.walmartwageswa.com or by calling 1-877-867-6208.
"This lawsuit was filed years ago and the allegations are not representative of the company we are today," said Daphne Moore, Walmart spokesperson. "Our policy is to a commitment we make to the more than 1.4 million associates who choose to work for Walmart and serve our customers and members every day. We have worked hard to have the right communication, processes, and systems in place to help ensure we live up to this commitment."
Information for class members is available at www.walmartwageswa.com. Class members with further questions are welcome to email Lieff Cabraser attorney Rachel Geman or telephone Ms. Geman toll-free at 1-800-541-7358.