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Walmart Settles $13M Texas Pay Dispute Over Spark Driver Compensation Claims

Walmart agreed to a $13 million settlement with Texas authorities regarding allegations it misled delivery drivers about earnings through its Spark Driver platform. The retailer will distribute approximately $6.69 million in restitution to affected Texas drivers, with the remainder covering civil penalties, legal fees and state costs. Texas investigators alleged Walmart violated deceptive trade practices laws since at least 2021 by misrepresenting tips, base pay and incentive bonuses. The company allegedly split customer tips among multiple drivers without disclosure and removed accepted deliveries from driver batches without notification, reducing expected earnings. Under the settlement, Walmart cannot reduce promised compensation after drivers accept offers, except in limited circumstances such as customer-initiated order changes. The retailer must also implement an earnings verification program to ensure drivers receive displayed compensation and must avoid misrepresenting estimated earnings or incentive opportunities. Walmart denied wrongdoing in the agreement.