Wal-Mart just got potentially bad news from the New Jersey Supreme Court.  The nation's largest employer is the target of lawsuits around the country that claim that Wal-Mart engaged in a variety of unlawful employment practices, including intentionally depriving its associates (that's "employees" to the rest of us) of required rest breaks.  The purpose, say the employees, was to cut costs and boost profits.

The Appellate Division of NJ Superior Court denied the plaintiffs' attempt to have the case certified as a class action.  That was good news for Wal-Mart.  However, the NJ Supreme Court just granted the plaintiffs' motion for leave to appeal, which is the bad news.  So now the Supremes will decide whether the case will proceed as a class action.   A lot of dollars are riding on the outcome.

You will find the Appellate Division and Supreme Court opinions here.