Working Americans have scored a small victory against Walmart, forcing the retail giant to pay for hours worked in South Carolina stores:

South Carolina Walmart workers who claim they were not paid for time worked will get $49 million to settle a class action lawsuit.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced the settlement Thursday morning on its Web site, walmartstores.com.

Wal-Mart’s announcement came after Judge Perry M. Buckner III in Colleton County, S.C., approved the settlement on Tuesday.

The settlement will conclude more than six years of litigation concerning Wal-Mart’s employment practices in South Carolina.

Wal-Mart in the settlement agreed to maintain electronic systems, surveys and notices to protect workers’ rights.

Walmart dragged its feet the whole way — just as it always does when it comes to giving workers their due — but in this instance the little guy prevailed.