DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

The Department of Justice filed suit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) for allegedly violating the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

A representative for Wal-Mart couldn't be reached for immediate comment.

The government alleges the Bentonville, Ark., retail chain violated USERRA by failing and refusing to reinstate Air Force airman Sean Thornton to his position of cashier at a Florida outlet after he was discharged by the Air Force.

The employment act requires that individuals who leave their jobs to serve in the military be reemployed by their civilian employers in the same position had they not left to serve.

Shares of Wal-Mart fell 43 cents to $52.25 in recent after-hours trading.

-Adam O. Manzor; 201-938-5400; AskNewswires@dowjones.com

  (END) Dow Jones Newswires
  03-31-08 1805ET
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