Wal-Mart: A Case of Employee Discrimination

Wal-Mart was charged with discrimination against its female employees in compensation, promotions and job assignments in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) . The plaintiffs alleged that Wal-Mart mistreated women in various ways: they earned much less than their male counterparts even when they had more experience than men or performed better than them (Refer Exhibit II for a detailed note on the complaint filed by Dukes). The case also alleged that Wal-Mart prevented women employees from advancing by

» Prohibiting them from working in departments that were traditionally assigned to men (and often paid more)...

For example, the company organized annual quail hunting (a practice introduced by Walton) for only a small group of top managers. Few women, who worked in the lower executive ranks, were also invited. At one point of time, some women suggested that an activity other than hunting would allow more people to participate. The idea was rejected on the grounds that it would interfere with the company's tradition. There were also instances where women executives were forced to go to Hooter's restaurants (known for the titillating dress and behavior of their waitresses) and strip clubs in the course of business events. Moreover, female employees at Wal-Mart were reportedly given fewer promotions than male employees...