Walmart to pay $100 million to settle FTC case on delivery driver wages

Walmart has agreed to pay $100 million to settle allegations that it deceived its delivery drivers about pay, costing them tens of millions of dollars in earnings. The case, brought by the Federal Trade Commission and 11 states, accused the retailer of misleading workers about the base pay, incentive pay and tips they could earn, according to the agency's press release on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The retail giant did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the settlement. The settlement represents a significant financial penalty for Walmart, one of the world's largest retailers, and addresses claims that the company systematically misled its delivery drivers about compensation structures. The FTC alleged that Walmart's practices resulted in workers being deprived of substantial earnings that had been promised to them. The 11 states joining the federal investigation indicate the widespread nature of the concerns across the country. This case highlights ongoing scrutiny of labor practices by major corporations, particularly in the gig economy and delivery sectors where compensation structures can be complex. This settlement comes amid increasing regulatory attention on labor practices and wage transparency issues affecting millions of workers across various industries. The FTC has been particularly active in cases involving deceptive practices related to compensation, with this case being one of several high-profile settlements in recent years. For Walmart, which employs over 1.5 million workers in the U.S. alone, this settlement represents both a financial and reputational hit. The company will likely need to implement changes to its compensation disclosure practices to avoid similar issues in the future.