Strip clubs part of Wal-Mart ‘job’

The proposed class dwarfs the size of other discrimination cases and, if approved, would make the suit one of the largest against a corporation.

The brief paints the most detailed picture yet of the scope and effect on women of alleged discrimination. It argues that a gender pay gap — which plaintiffs’ experts say averages about 5 per cent — is a reflection and result of a bias that flows from Wal-Mart’s Bentonville, headquarters and permeates every store.

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Mona Williams denied any such bias and disputed the plaintiffs’ analysis of the evidence. She said experts who analysed payroll data for the company found that ‘‘nine out of 10 times, women and men are paid equally,’’ and that women are promoted at the same rate at which they apply for positions. ‘‘We feel there is room for improvement with the pay, but from a promotional standpoint, it’s fair,’’ she said.

Some women described being discouraged from applying for management positions and jobs in sporting goods, meat departments and other areas dominated by men.

Others recalled instances where men not only acknowledged but endorsed a pay gap between men and women. When one woman asked why her pay was less than a less qualified male worker, she was told: ‘‘You don’t have the right equipment. You aren’t male, so don’t expect the same pay.’’

Brad Seligman, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said the attitude conveyed in the comment is not an aberration. ‘‘We’ve got more than 100 declarations from 30 states,’’ said Seligman. ‘‘It’s not just a problem in the Deep South or Alaska. It’s all across the country.’’

If the case becomes a nationwide class action, they could add up quickly. In the largest settlement of such a case, Voice of America agreed three years ago to pay $531 million to 1,100 women rejected for jobs.Wal-Mart is scheduled to file its brief in early June. A hearing is set for July. (LAT-WP)