MADISON, Wis. -- Employees of Kraft Foods have been given class action status for their lawsuit seeking pay for time spent putting on and taking off safety equipment.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb said that current and former hourly employees who worked at the company's Oscar Mayer meat processing plant in Madison since May 2004 can take part.

Crabb said that the group includes at least 1,000 workers.

The workers claim the company is breaking the law by refusing to pay them for time spent donning and doffing equipment like protective boots, hard hats and ear muffs. Workers must go to the plant's third floor before and after shifts to do so.

The company argues those activities don't qualify for pay and is fighting the lawsuit.