Walmart Shells Out $12 Million Over Gender Lawsuit

Filed Under: Legal Matters

It's a win for the ladies!

Walmart's bank account is about to become $12 million lighter after settling a lawsuit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commision.

Back in 2001, the EEOC filed a class action lawsuit against the mega-retailer, claiming from 1998-2005 Walmart ignored female application to work in on of its warehouses in Kentucky. The suit also states that Walmart would tell those interviewed that order-filling was not suitable for woman, which is a violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Now that they've settled, Walmart is having to fork over just under $12 million in back wages and damages. The Wal also agreed to place females in its first 50 available order-filler jobs, place a female in every second job and hire one for every third open position.

Walmart will also be required to use interview questions previously submitted to the EEOC.

A rep for the retailer said "We’re pleased this matter has been resolved. These claims do not reflect Wal-Mart’s continuing commitment to build an even more diverse and inclusive workplace through hiring and training initiatives."

Uh huh. Until next time.

[Image via AP Images.]

Tags: class action lawsuit, eeoc, equal employment opportunity commision, walmart