$100M Gender Bias Suit Filed Against Forest Labs

Forest Laboratories faces a $100 million potential class-action gender discrimination lawsuit by four former female sales representatives claiming the company discriminated against them because of their gender when it came to pay and promotions.

The plaintiffs filed the class-action complaint under Title VII and collective action under the Equal Pay Act; the complaint includes claims for retaliation, sexual harassment, and violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act, according to Law360 (subscription required).

“Defendants Forest Laboratories and Forest Pharmaceuticals have engaged in systematic, company-wide discriminatory treatment of female employees based on their gender, their taking of federally and state-protected maternity leave, and their status as pregnant women or caregivers,” stated the discrimination lawsuit.

One plaintiff claimed she received a “minimal” salary increase in 2009 and was denied stock options in 2009 and 2010, according to Law360. Another former employee claimed that she noticed lower evaluations, compensations, and rankings after returning from maternity leave.

Forest Labs denies the accusations and said “it either does not have or does not follow policies that reduce or eliminate disparate impact on women and gender,” according to Law360.

If you have been a victim of gender bias in the workplace, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if you have grounds to pursue legal action. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

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