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Compliance March 29, 2011
Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Giant Wal-Mart Bias Case
March 29, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday began hearing arguments in a class action gender bias suit against Wal-Mart that could involve up to 1.5 million women employees, the Associated Press reports.
Reported by Rebecca Moore
In particular, the justices will be considering whether it is proper to allow a large number of plaintiffs spread around the country to sue together under anti-discrimination laws for money damages (see High Court to Hear Giant Wal-Mart Class Action). Wal-Mart Stores Inc. v. Betty Dukes, et al. (No 10-277) involves allegations the giant retailer was biased against women in salary and promotion opportunities.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court decided in April 2010 that women who have worked at Wal-Mart since 2001 should be permitted to move forward as a group to press their allegations the retailer paid women less than men for the same work and gave females fewer promotional opportunities.
According to the AP, the women suing Wal-Mart say the company would have no reason to change its practices if it succeeds in forcing them to sue individually.
Wal-Mart denies any discrimination.« Breach Claims against Investment Consultants Allowed to Proceed