BLUMENTHAL TARGETS WAL-MART

The federal Department of Labor announce Wednesday that nearly 80% of Connecticut Wal-Mart stores (21 of 27) have been cited for violating child labor laws between 1999 and 2001. The large number of store violations prompted Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal to call for a nationwide investigation. Information from the three state audit revealed that altogether, 80 teenagers were involved - 67 in Connecticut, 12 in Arkansas, and one in New Hampshire. The violations include children under the age of 18 operating hazardous equipment such as forklifts and balers. While no injuries were reported in Connecticut, a 17-year old in a New Hampshire Wal-Mart required 17 stitches after cutting his hand with a chainsaw. Due to the fact that the Labor Department has only released a summary of report and not the full details, Blumenthal filed a Freedom of Information Act request on Wednesday for the complete details.

In a settlement, Wal-Mart admitted no wrongdoing but paid $135,540 and agreed to comply with all employment laws.

The deal, signed in January but not disclosed until Saturday, requires the Labor Department to give 15 days' notice before any investigation of any store for any reason. It also mandates a 10-day grace period following an investigation to allow the company to correct violations.