Update to Novartis Gender Bias Suit

Posted by marykeating on July 16, 2010 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

As reported here earlier, a massive gender bias lawsuit resulted in a large award for a class of female sales representatives. A jury in New York awarded compensatory and punitive damages to the class. The parties agreed to a settlement so that Novartis will not appeal the case. The presiding judge must approve the settlement before it resolves the case. Under the settlement, Novartis would pay back pay of about $60 million, another $92.5 million for compensatory damages, and $22.5 million for programs that would cleanse the workplace of discrimination. The 65-page settlement agreement sets forth in some detail the manner in which Novartis is to institute programs to deal with future complaints of sexual harassment or discrimination, and cultivating talents of women in the workforce.