Discrimination of any kind is both unpleasant and unnecessary and it certainly has no place in the workplace. If you do your job and follow the rules, why should you be treated any differently to anyone else doing the same thing? Sadly, many employees are made to feel uncomfortable by discrimination in the workplace as a result of their gender, age, race, or even because of their disabilities or sexual preference.
This type of behavior should never be tolerated and it falls to the victims to challenge those who discriminate against them. Such was the case in California recently, when a District Court judge ruled in favor of 1,300 female employees in a sex discrimination case. The final settlement is to total $8 million from which the various claims made are to be paid. The three representatives of the claimants are also to receive $10,000 service awards from the fund.
The Network of Executive Women is set to receive any money left over after all payments have been made. It has been a long time coming, however, as the class action suit was originally filed in 2004. The claim stated that Costco Wholesale Corp. demonstrated discrimination against its female employees when it came to picking general and assistant general managers.
This case had a happy ending for these workers in California. However, it also demonstrates the good that can be done by challenging a discriminatory employer or colleague. Such behavior should not be tolerated and must be challenged. An attorney can help you build your case and seek compensation for the violation of your rights as an employee. He or she may also be able to assist you in the event of retaliatory discharge.
Bloomberg BNA, “Court Gives Final Approval to $8 Million Pact Settling Sex Bias Class Action Against Costco,” June 9, 2014