A sex discrimination wage claim was thrown out by the Supreme Court this week, nullifying a previous jury award for damages. Lilly Ledbetter had sued Goodyear after retirement, claiming she has been discriminated against during her 20 years of employment. She filed suit under 42 USC 2000e-2(a)(1). Although her salary lagged behind her colleagues by 15 to 40% by the time of her retirement, the court held that since no discriminatory acts occurred within 180 days of the claim, the statute barred evidence of discrimination prior to that period. The dissent, written by Justice Ginsburg urges Congress to review the statute to take into consideration the fact that most workers do not know the salaries of their co-workers.
The Boston Globe has a story. We also have a topical page on discrimination.
