Novartis Loses Sex Discrimination Class Action--Jury Awards More than $250 Million

We noted earlier that the trial for one of the largest class action discrimination cases to go to trial began last month, and apparently the jury came back yesterday, finding that Novartis had discriminated against thousands of female sales representatives over pay, promotion, and pregnancy. The jury awarded about $3.3 million in compensatory damages to just 12 of the class of over 6,500 women, and $250 million in punitives. The remaining class members can apply for damages now, which will likely be determined by a special master. This NY Times story has some more details. Ironically, Novartis is consistently ranked in Working Mothers' Magazine's top 100 companies to work for. Novartis says it will appeal.

MM