The new salary is $5,712 above what first-year associates received in 1986.

These associates will also receive automatic annual pay raises, bonuses, and promotions.

These unattached associates receive updates and news directly from the secretary-general.

Wood and his associates would receive £60,000 and a block of shares.

Wal-Mart said its "systems have been improved over the years to help ensure that all associates receive their scheduled breaks."

The chairman of the group was jailed for seven years, while three associates each received two-year jail sentences.

That is more than double the $15,000 that first-year associates received last year.

The result is that a third-year associate who might have made $200,000 in income last year could receive $350,000 this year.

At the same trial, his associates received lesser sentences for mail fraud and conspiracy.

Thirteen associates received terms ranging from one month to 77 years for mail fraud and conspiracy.