A federal judge on Tuesday approved a class action lawsuit against Wal-Mart that accuses the world’s largest retailer of discriminating against its female employees in promotions, pay and job assignments.
U.S. District Court Judge Martin Jenkins ruled that six current and former Wal-Mart employees from California may represent all female employees of Wal-Mart who worked at its U.S. stores anytime since December 26, 1998 in a nationwide sex discrimination class action lawsuit.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs said the case, Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (N.D. Cal. No C-01-2252), is the largest civil rights class action ever certified against a private employer.
Jenkins described the case as “historic in nature, dwarfing other employment discrimination cases that came before it,” according to a statement released by attorneys for the plaintiffs.
The Judge also noted that this case is being ruled upon in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education. “This anniversary serves as a reminder of the importance of the courts in addressing the denial of equal treatment under the law whenever and by whomever it occurs.”
The class includes more than 1.6 million current and former female employees of Wal-Mart retail stores in America, including Wal-Mart discount stores, super centers, neighborhood stores, and Sam’s Clubs, attorneys for the plaintiffs said.
“Up until now, Wal-Mart has never faced a trial like this, “explained Brad Seligman, executive director of The Impact Fund, the lead counsel for the women. “Lawsuits by individual women had no more effect than a pinprick. Now, however, the playing field has been leveled. Wal-Mart will face the combined power of 1.6 million women in court.”
Wal-Mart officials in a statement released Tuesday said: “While we cannot comment on the specifics of the litigation, we can say we continue to evaluate our employment practices.”.
(via Wal-Mart Class)
18 responses so far ↓
Jessica Rogers // Jun 28, 2004 at 8:15 am
how do I join the lawsuit. Women against Wal-mart. I worked for Wal-mart for 5 years. Started in 1995 and left in 2000. I was an above standard assistant manager and never got a good raise. It’s a lot more to my story.
Carissa LeBlanc // Jul 11, 2004 at 2:22 pm
I worked for Wal Mart for almost 2 years, and i want to get involved in the lawsuit. Please tell me how.
Brenda Seabolt // Jul 13, 2004 at 2:48 pm
i would like to find out how to join the lawsuit against wal-mart. i worked for wal-mart for five years and never received over a nickel raise at my evaluation each year.
RHONDA H // Jul 14, 2004 at 4:57 pm
I HAVE WORKED AT WAL-MART FOR 15 YEARS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO JOIN THE LAW SUIT BOY DO I HAVE STORIES
Rita Mills // Nov 15, 2004 at 9:23 pm
I worked for Walmart from 1990 to 1994 and I never received more than a nickel raise. How can I get in on this law suit. If I can’t get in on this one, is there one for women employees from my time frame?
donna // Dec 2, 2004 at 2:34 pm
I worked for them for 10 yrs and had a beauty of a District Mgr. Let me know how to get info…Please?
vanesa // Dec 2, 2004 at 7:50 pm
I have worked for Wal Mart for 20 years. I started when I was 16 and have donated my entire live to them practicly. I have worked when sick in pain andsent my children to school and daycare when they should have stayed home. All this for what!? A live time discount card and a retirement plan that continues to drop.I am currantly still employed with them and only make 14.50 per hour does this sound fair to you afer 20 dedicated years and neglected family. Let me know how I can help.
Jessica // Dec 11, 2004 at 5:08 pm
i have been with this company for 2 1/2 years, i recently had a misscarriage and was ordered on bed rest and they are telling me that those absences are unexcused, also younger boys with no prior job experience are getting paid more than I am and they havent even been at the company as long as i have. Plenty more to talk about just not enough room
raheela merani // Dec 23, 2004 at 2:55 pm
i have been with walmart 2 years and ever since i became tle manager its been a nightmare. i have been threaten to get fired or my other option is to step down.I am minority and a woman thats why they are trying to get rid of me I have been having chest pain due to stress. i would like some info. on how to join this lawsuit.
patricia van // Feb 7, 2005 at 8:38 am
worked for walmart for 7 years.was not done fair
MARY LOU BARBOSA AYERS // Feb 24, 2005 at 7:11 pm
please feel free to contact me at my e-mail or cell phone 831-776-9330 i have a story to tell
veda miller // Mar 5, 2005 at 5:13 pm
at the end of 5 yrs i made$7.33 and was refused a transfer to palestine tx store so i don’t have a job at all now so i certainly want to be a part of the law suit for all my grueling hours of hard labor as a cashier for them.i had worked at the corsicana tx store for 5 yrs
sandra casey whiting // Mar 12, 2005 at 3:47 pm
I transferd to be with my husband we ARE NEWLY MARRIED i WAS AN EMPLOYEE FOR 9YEARS AND 11 MONTHS AND i HAD EVERYTHING PULLED ON ME .boy can I help I will gladly join a lawsuit contact me I will Help any way I can something has got to be done
Julie D // Mar 21, 2005 at 3:13 pm
I have worked at wal-mart for 6 months, and all of the “good” job oportunities are not advertised. They are given to the brown nosers and others that i shall not name, i want in on this lawsuit.
Fay // Jul 7, 2005 at 12:03 pm
I have worked for walmart almost 7 years and for 6 1/2 years it has been a night mare. I have alot to tell. I have alot of pages of things and proof I would love to get in on this law suit. Someone please contact me and I will give you my address and I will mail you everything I got.
Peggy L Russ // Aug 10, 2005 at 10:57 am
I have never worked at WalMart but every since I have heard about WalMart discriminating against female employees in, promotions, pay and job assignments my partner and I have since stopped shopping at the retail GIANT. My partner and I would like all the women that is participating against the GIANT you have our support 100%. We will never step foot into that store ever again until they are ordered to revised their hiring,promotions and all that is involved pratices. And give back to all the females that have worked their tailes off and was given peanuts. This is 2005 WALMART
Brandy Hayes // Aug 17, 2005 at 4:39 pm
I work at wal-mart over 6 years in the GA state and when i lift them i was get 10.34 and hour and had all my sick time that was 192 hrs and they did not pay me for them So if you get the # to call to get on the list email me back please
Mary Lou Barbosa Ayers // Sep 21, 2005 at 4:06 pm
If anyone has any further information or updates on the Wal Mart Lawsuit at email: lulubarbosa62@yahoo.com Phone Number 831-776-9330
You must log in to post a comment.