Wal-Mart has asked the Supreme Court to dismiss the class action lawsuit that could potentially be the largest workplace discrimination case in the history of the United States.For a Limited Time receive a
FREE HR Report "Top 10 Best Practices in HR Management." This comprehensive special report will give you the information you need to know about these current HR challenges and how to most effectively manage them in your workplace.
Download NowSeven females filed the lawsuit, Dukes v. Wal-Mart, in 2001. The women claimed they were systematically paid less than men and did not receive equal opportunity for advancement within the organization.
In April, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the sex discrimination lawsuit against Wal-Mart to continue as a class action. The decision was close, with a 6 to 5 ruling. As a class action, the suit could encompass over 1 million female workers.
The plaintiffs are suing for punitive damages and back pay, which could reach billions of dollars if they win.
Wal-Mart denies the plaintiffs allegations. Also, in its petition to the Supreme Court, the organization notes, "The class is larger than the active-duty personnel in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard combined — making it the largest employment class action in history by several orders of magnitude," reports USA Today.
Related articles:
Report Surfaces During Wal-Mart's Sex Discrimination Legal Battle
Wal-Mart Facing Huge Class Action Lawsuit
Source:
USA Today