Contact: Chris Kofinis (202) 486-6422

The following statement is attributable to Paul Blank, campaign director for WakeUpWalMart.com:

“We are pleased that a Pennsylvania court, today, joined other states in finding that Wal-Mart’s exploitation of its employees is not only morally wrong, but illegal as well.

Unfortunately, Wal-Mart’s violations come at no surprise. Wal-Mart has a long record of needlessly exploiting its workers and faces over 57 lawsuits for wage and hour abuses in 40 states. In addition, Wal-Mart is the subject of the largest gender discrimination lawsuit in U.S. history, affecting more than 2 million current and former female Wal-Mart workers who are suing over pay and promotion discrimination.

Given the size and scope of these wage and hour lawsuits, it is time for Wal-Mart to address its seemingly perpetual problem of mistreating and exploiting the very same workers who help make this company a success. It is shocking that Wal-Mart, America’s largest employer, somehow thinks it has the right to not only provide unaffordable health care and pay poverty level wages, but to deny workers the breaks they have earned under the law.

Wal-Mart's greedy, "sweatshop mindset" must end, because the American people will not stomach corporate exploitation any longer. We call on Wal-Mart to immediately address these serious workplace issues and meet the demands of the American people and our elected leaders to become a moral and responsible employer.”