A law firm representing Wal-Mart truck drivers in California just won a major suit against the retailer, which could cost the company over $100 million dollars.
Judge Susan Illston sided with the drivers, who were seeking back-pay for time spent on the job but not driving; tasks such as waiting to be loaded or unloaded, time spent filling out mandated forms, washing and fueling their trucks, ans more.
“Under California law, the drivers must be paid for all the time that they were subject to Wal-Mart’s control,” she wrote in the ruling.
The case involved 720 current and past Wal-Mart truck drivers. They were represented by lawyer Butch Wagner, of Wagner, Jones, Kopfman & Aretenian Llp. in Fresno, Californida
According to the Fresno Bee, interest and penalties could bring the total sum closer to $150 million.
Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove disagreed with the judges ruling, claiming their drivers are some of the highest paid in the industry. The retailer says they plan to appeal the decision.
