The National Labor Relations Board ruled that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. retaliated against workers for participating in strikes and must rehire 16 former employees, including seven in California. The retail giant was also ordered to give these employees back pay. The company must hold meetings at 29 stores throughout the country to inform employees about their right to strike and vow not to retaliate or threaten them for doing so.

Wal-Mart workers have held demonstrations and protests at stores around the U.S. in recent years as part of a nationwide movement to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. In California, the workers that will be rehired include one in Lakewood, three in Placerville and two in Richmond. Wal-Mart has also been ordered to tell workers at the 29 stores where workers were disciplined or fired for strike-related absences that such organizing activity is protected.

Four California stores are on the list, including Pico Rivera, where two employees were disciplined, according to the order.