Wal-Mart has settled a sexual discrimination lawsuit it was facing over application and transfer requests at its Walmart distribution centre in London, Kentucky.
The case, which was filed by former Walmart worker Janice Smith by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2001, alleged that the retailer based hiring decisions at the centre on gender from 1998 to February 2005.
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The suit sought back-pay for those females not selected for hire or transfer during that time, plus compensatory and punitive damages and injunctive relief. The case was scheduled to begin trial on 1 March.
However, Wal-Mart said it had settled to the tune of around US$12m. In addition, the company has agreed to certain “enhancements” of its hiring and training measures at the distribution centre, and to make a specified number of positions at the centre available to female applicants.
The settlement will not result in any charge to the company’s results of operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2011.
“The company is pleased that this matter has been resolved. This case does not reflect Walmart’s continuing commitment to build an even more diverse and inclusive workplace through hiring and training initiatives. Walmart respects and values the unique talents each associate contributes to the company’s ability to make a difference in the lives of our customers,” a statement said.
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By GlobalData
