A couple of years ago, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California certified a class of female employees against Walmart. The case was noteworthy because it is a nationwide class action in which the plaintiffs claim Walmart discriminates against female employees in setting compensation, making promotion decisions and other issues. The class size was estimated at 1.5 million workers.
Walmart appealed the class certification order. The Ninth Circuit heard oral argument in August 2005, and finally issued its opinion today. A three judge panel voted 2-1 to affirm the district court's decision. Barring settlement or a successful decertification of the class, the huge class action against Walmart will proceed to trial.
DGV