The Supreme Court put the brakes on a massive job discrimination lawsuit against mega-retailer Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., saying sweeping class-action status that could potentially involve hundreds of thousands of current and former female workers was simply too large.
The ruling Monday was a big victory for the nation's largest private employer, and the business community at large.
The high-profile case– perhaps the most closely watched of the high court's term– is among the most important dealing with corporate versus worker rights that the justices have ever heard, and could eventually impact nearly every private employer, large and small.
Toobin: Why justices shut down Wal-Mart case
Gisel Ruiz, Executive Vice President for Wal-Mart U.S., said in a statement the company was "pleased" with the court's ruling.
"Walmart has had strong policies against discrimination for many years. The Court today unanimously rejected class certification and, as the majority made clear, the plaintiffs’ claims were worlds away from showing a companywide discriminatory pay and promotion policy," the statement said. "By reversing the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, the majority effectively ends this class action lawsuit.
“Walmart has a long history of providing advancement opportunities for our female associates and will continue its efforts to build a robust pipeline of future female leaders.â€
The case is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes (10-277).
Simply too large, therefore let them screw the women over ? Hmmm, sounds like a pay off to me.. Weird ?
Yes of course the supreme court gets paid off – get your head out of your tail idiot!
Doug, you are misinformed and misguided, please don't voice your stupid opinion again, thanks.
While i have no doubt that Wal-Mart discriminates against at least some of its female employees I agree with the courts decision. If the court had allowed the case to procede Wall-Mart whould have won. There is no way to prove that wall-mart discriminates against all of female workers. Im certain the lawsuit will return naming individual cases of discrimination.
Finally! Common sense prevails and the court ruled correctly. It's about time this country stops pandering to these lawyers seeking class action and finally the courts are not leaning toward the bully politics of unions!!!
People have to start taking their own initiative- if you don't like where you work then go find a job some place else and stop crying!
Well done supreme court- well done – thank you!
Chock-up a common sense ruling.
OOOOH EEEE that justice system sure does burn don't it. $$$$ talks.
I am not surprised. Walmart is the model of corporate controlled America. Cheap and foreign with lots if tight security. Justice Thomas will overturn everything. His wife is a Tea party gal, and me, I am the new self proclaimed leader of the tea party.
The case was too large so they dismissed it???
Ladies, I only have one word... BOYCOTT!!! Or at least ration your trips to Walmart. I admit, it will be difficult but why give them our money when it's obvious they don't respect our buying power?
Toiletmart *
Great... Big Business needed another victory. What a disgusting time we live in. Let's just reverse all the progress we made for human rights in the last 200 years and go back to slavery, shall we? Shame on our leaders! Shame!
Great reporting. What was the "vote" in the Court ? Was it the usual idealogical "conservatives against citizens & for Big business?"
Well, these workers could do it the old fashion way and strike. Show your employers how dedicated to change you really are.
Walmart has been dominating business and manipulating the markets for so long. They are in control of all potential risk processes and that includes the Supream court. Shame Shame Shame!!!
As long as your big enough and the crime is widespread you are in the clear.
If you do not like the place no one is forcing you to work there or shop there . Any time you work retail it is a thankless and low paying job ! When you purchase products that are not made in America . This is what you end up with. The consumer drives these types of jobs . Welcome to America . Low prices equal , Un-equal . You get the jobs that people are willing to pay for . When you purchase made in China products you send your own job to China .
I agree with the guy who says BOYCOTT... Money is the only thing these greedy pigs know.. BOYCOTT !
Sure – boycott- but remember you still want cheap prices- and Chinese made products – you actually think China treats their employees half as well as the USA? Walmart is a price leader and you'll still be back their buying to save a buck.
The supreme court did the right thing today!
Yes, indeed, the way to makes sure women get paid more is to boycott the company they work for. That will surely work.