Judge Halts Wal-Mart Suit Pending Review

A federal judge halted a discrimination lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s biggest retailer, until an appeals court reviews a ruling that allows 1.6 million workers to sue as a group.

Wal-Mart had requested that U.S. District Judge Martin Jenkins in San Francisco temporarily halt a suit filed by female employees. The company is appealing Jenkins’ ruling that allows female workers to sue as a group in a class-action lawsuit that claims women were paid less than men and offered fewer promotions.

Wal-Mart shares fell 29 cents to $52.52 on the NYSE.