Final answer:
A class-action suit can be filed against an employer for equal pay or gender discrimination, although its success depends on various factors. In the case of the sex-discrimination suit against Walmart, the Supreme Court denied the right to a class-action suit due to the size and diversity of the group of plaintiffs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Supreme Court ruling in Griggs v. Duke Power Co.
In 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a case in which women plaintiffs were attempting to group together in a class-action suit against Walmart for gender discrimination in promotion and pay. The Court ultimately decided against the plaintiffs, and the right to a class-action suit was denied. However, the case itself effectively publicized the issue of gender discrimination in employment.
Definition of a Class Action Suit
A class-action suit is a lawsuit in which a group of plaintiffs with similar legal claims against a defendant join together to collectively pursue their claims. It allows a large number of individuals to combine their resources and share the costs and efforts associated with the legal proceedings.
Filing a Class Action Suit for Equal Pay or Gender Discrimination
Yes, a class-action suit can be filed against an employer if it involves equal pay or gender discrimination. However, the success of such a suit depends on various factors, including the legal merits of the case, the size and diversity of the group of plaintiffs, and the specific circumstances surrounding the alleged discrimination. In the case of the sex-discrimination suit against Walmart, the Supreme Court decided against the plaintiffs because they deemed the group too large and too diverse to be considered a class-action suit.