Step forward for Walmart class-action lawsuit by Zuzana Zelenakova

Walmart currently faces what could be the largest class action lawsuit in history of the United States. 1.5 million female employees of the company were reputedly discriminated in wages and promotions as compared to their male counterparts. The suit could cost the company billions of dollars and in addition its reputation is threatened. The Ninth Circuit US Court of Appeals in San Francisco announced that the case involving the world´s largest retailer could go to trial. Originally, it was filed back in 2001. Nine years ago, Walmart worker Betty Dukes sued the company for sex discrimination together with six other women. Later, the lawsuit extended to all women that w! orked for Walmart since 1998. The case was certified as a class-action matter in 2004. The latest decision of the court gives hope to all those women that worked for the company to get back pay and maybe even punitive damages. "The Court of Appeals rejected Walmart's argument, which was a variant of the 'too big to fail' argument," said an attorney for the plaintiffs Brad Seligman. "The court holds that all companies, the big as well as the small, have to comply with the law and may face a class action when they discriminate on a wide basis." Walmart informed it is assessing the situation and considers a review from the Supreme Court. "We do not believe the claims alleged by the six individuals who brought this suit are representative of the experiences of our female associates," said Walmart´s executive vice president and general counsel. "Walmart is an excellent place for women to work and fosters female leadership among our associates and in the larger business wor! ld." Walmart Stores, Inc. was founded in 1962 and it is the la! rgest pr ivate employer and grocery retailer in the United States.

related story (sgx17099): http://www.france24.com/en/20100426-wal-mart-biggest-class-a...

by Zuzana Zelenakova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

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