Posts tagged "employment dispute"

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is in the news once again for violations of U.S. employment law and employment disputes. The company has been sued a number of times by the federal government as well as by its own employees and customers for violations of U.S. law. The long history of legal conflict with the mega retailer even involves a 2008 employment dispute case in Minnesota that Wal-Mart ended up settling for $54 million.

The case in Minnesota centered on hourly employees being required to go through training while not clocked in and not being allowed to take mandated meal and rest breaks. This was only one case among many in a decade of allegations against the retailer. Other allegations include gender discrimination, illegal immigrant workers, overtime pay and much more.

The Minnesota House of Representatives recently passed a number of bills to limit the cost of employment lawsuits to local businesses. Some state representatives believe the new legislation will make the state more competitive. However, others see the new legislation as a way to limit justice in employment disputes.

Minnesota Republicans led the legislative battle with some Democrats breaking rank. The legislation ultimately passed along party lines, with the 10-vote Republican majority making the difference. Democrats made a number of attempts to introduce amendments to protect plaintiffs, but all were voted down.