Joint statement from Wal-Mart and counsel for Plaintiffs regarding wage and hour class action case of Braun v. Wal-Mart

Minneapolis, MN, and Bentonville, AR, December 9, 2008 -- Counsel for Plaintiffs and counsel for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., (NYSE: WMT) jointly announce that they have reached a settlement of a wage and hour class action against Wal-Mart in Minnesota captioned Braun et al. v. Wal-Mart, Inc. et al.

The class includes approximately 100,000 current and former hourly associates who worked at Wal-Mart Stores and Sam's Club locations in Minnesota from September 11, 1998, through November 14, 2008, and the settlement provides for payment by Wal-Mart of up to $54.25 million, including a substantial payment to the State of Minnesota. Also, as part of the settlement, Wal-Mart has agreed to maintain various electronic systems, surveys, and notices that will further compliance with wage and hour policies and Minnesota laws. The settlement is subject to approval by the trial court, and the exact amount paid to class members will depend on the court's approval as well as on the number and amount of claims that are submitted by class members.

All parties believe this settlement is fair and reasonable for all concerned. "We are satisfied with this settlement, gratified that these hourly workers will now be paid after seven years of litigation, and happy that the State of Minnesota will receive the largest wage and hour civil penalty in its history," said Justin Perl, formerly of the Minneapolis law firm of Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, co-lead counsel for the class along with Maslon Partner Jon Parritz. Wal-Mart spokesperson David Tovar added, "Wal-Mart is pleased that the court in Minnesota ruled in its favor on many claims. Our policies are to pay every associate for every hour worked and to make rest and meal breaks available for associates. Any manager who violates these policies is subject to discipline, up to and including termination. We remain committed to providing good jobs with real career opportunity to the 1.45 million U.S. associates who choose to work for Wal-Mart and serve our customers every day." A hearing for preliminary approval of the settlement has been scheduled for January 14, 2009.

Contact for Plaintiffs:

Jon Parritz.
Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, LLP
p 612-672-8334 
jon.parritz@Maslon.com

Joshua Schneck
p 612-337-0748
Snow Communications
jschneck@cybersnow.com

William R. Sieben, Esq.
Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben, P.A.
p 612-344-0305
bsieben@schwebel.com

Contact for Wal-Mart: Greg Rossiter, Wal-Mart Media Relations, 1-800-331-0085