June 23, 2004

Understanding Class-Action Lawsuits

Wal-Mart case puts spotlight on complicated area of law

STORY IDEA: A federal judge yesterday certified what may become the biggest civil rights class-action lawsuit in the nation’s history. U.S. District Judge Martin Jenkins approved a class-action sex-discrimination lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. representing as many as 1.6 million current and former women workers. The suit alleges a pattern of paying female workers less than their male counterparts and passing them over for promotions. Wal-Mart plans to appeal the decision.

Local litigation attorney Brian Weber of Johns, Flaherty & Collins can offer local perspective on the case, explaining what the certification means, what is required to achieve class-action status and how the certification relates to the merits of the case. He can also offer tips to local residents for handling class-action notices they receive in a variety of other class-action matters. He can be reached at 608-784-5678.

BACKGROUND: The lawsuit was originally filed in 2001 on behalf of six female employees of Wal-Mart. The suit accused the store of discriminating against women and retaliating against those who complained. With yesterday’s ruling, the suit expands to include all women who have worked at Wal-Mart’s 3,500 U.S. stores since December 1998.

Experts say the class-action certification may result in Wal-Mart paying billions of dollars either to settle or satisfy judgment in the case.

CONTACT: Brian Weber, Johns, Flaherty & Collins, 608-784-5678 or Annette Mikat, Mikat Public Relations, 608-782-1780.