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Legal Momentum Applauds Jury Verdict For Women in Largest Sex Discrimination Case Tried in US History

Legal Momentum, the women's legal defense and education fund applauds the May 17th, 2010,  federal jury verdict holding pharmaceutical giant Novartis AG responsible for a large scale "pattern or practice" of discrimination against women sales representatives employed in the United States. With as many as 5,600 current and formal female Novartis employees in the

"This jury verdict marks a new day for women seeking redress in the courts when they are treated unfairly on the job. Likewise, it's a resounding warning to companies whose discriminatory policies flaunt federal laws." state Irasema Garza, President of Legal Momentum.

"Unfortunately, it highlights how women, especially pregnant women, still face discrimination, even at Fortune 100 employers," Garza continued.  "While we have come a long way to fight sex discrimination in this country, cases like this illustrate that employers still have a long way to go to ensure a fair playing field for women and men."

Specifically, the jury found that the U.S. unit of Novartis engaged in a "pattern or practice" of discrimination against its female sales employees by paying them less than their male peers and by denying them the same opportunities for promotions as male employees. The jury also found that the company discriminated against women who became pregnant with respect to the terms and conditions of their employment.   

"Pattern or practice discrimination suits typically settle instead of going to trial; even more uncommon is a lawsuit alleging adverse treatment of a class of pregnant women on the job," adds Michelle Caiola, Senior Staff Attorney. "Considering that women comprise fully one half of the nation's workforce, and the majority of those women will one day be pregnant, it's high time that employers, like Novartis, treat them fairly." 

Legal Momentum has long spearheaded the fight for equal rights and fair treatment for women on the job.  Over the last four decades, Legal Momentum has spearheaded litigation around Title VII  and Title IX. Currently, Legal Momentum focuses on protecting the workplace rights of extremely vulnerable populations of women workers: pregnant women, women employed in non-traditional occupations, and victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. For more information, visit Legal Momentum's work on Employment Rights.

The case is Velez v. Novartis Corp., 04-cv-9194, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

Founded in 1970, Legal Momentum, the Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund, is dedicated to advancing the rights and personal and economic security of all women and girls.