Wal-Mart settles same-sex class-action for $7.5 million
by December 5, 2016 9:05 am 165 views
Wal-Mart Stores settled a class-action lawsuit involving alleged discrimination against gay and lesbian employees. The retail giant confirmed the settlement Friday (Dec. 2).
The $7.5 million settlement was awarded to Wal-Mart employees who were denied spousal health insurance for same-sex partners between 2011 and 2013.
The case was filed in July 2015 with the United States District Court of Massachusetts. The lead plaintiff Jaqueline Cote and an estimated 1,100 other Wal-Mart employees will be eligible for a portion of the settlement. Wal-Mart amended its policy Jan. 1, 2014.
“We’re happy both sides could come together to reach a resolution.” said Sally Welborn, Wal-Mart’s senior vice president of Global Benefits. “We will continue to not distinguish between same- and opposite-sex spouses when it comes to the benefits we offer under our health insurance plan.”