Dukes v. Wal-Mart Essay - 2269 Words

Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is a legal battle concerning whether or not the company engaged willfully in gender-based discrimination. Underlying causes, organizational culture and ethical issues will be examined in determining how the largest private employer in the United States could have fallen prey to unfair labor practices. â€Å"In 1999, women constituted 72% of Wal-Mart’s hourly employees, but only 33% of its managerial employees† (Bhatnagar, 2004). This fact and many others are the reasons many people allege that Wal-Mart has unfair labor practices. The Dukes v. Wal-Mart case challenged the hiring, promotion and pay practices of Wal-Mart. The case was filed in June 2001. When the case reached class certification†¦show more content†¦Employee Cleo Page actually experienced the effects of Wal-Mart’s unethical labor practices. Ms. Page began working for Wal-Mart as a cashier in one of their super centers in Tulsa, OK making $6.50/hr. Page resigned from her job three years later from a store in California where she was making $10/hr. Over the three years of employment, she received above standard evaluations, but despite her desire for advancement, she was passed over twice for promotions by less qualified male applicants. Page had also encountered other women who had similar experiences, some who were in the same position for eight years. Three years of earning low wages adversely affected Page’s financial situation. She had little savings and as a result, she lost her house in California in addition to the foster children she was caring for. Page declared that she would not have lost her home and children if she had been given the well deserved promotion. The promotion came with many great incentives and better bonuses. This alone would have improved her financial situation. Wal-Mart is the largest retail store in the United States. The root cause of the problem with Wal-Mart is that they try to increase their profits by minimizing their costs. Many internal policies are used to maintain this philosophy. First and foremost is the strong organizational culture that is dictated from the home offices. Store level managers receive discipline ranging from writtenShow MoreRelatedThe Case Of Dukes V. Wal Mart Stores, Inc. Essay884 Words   |  4 PagesSUMMARY In the case of Dukes v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the District Court of the Ninth Circuit certified a class of 1.5 million females currently and formerly employed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The plaintiff class sought injunctive and declaratory relief, punitive damages, and back pay; due to the alleged violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in regards to alleged discrimination against female employees in promotions and wages. In Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. 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Dukes was one of the largest United States Supreme Court case in American history. The case is about a 54-year old Wal-Mart worker who claimed gender discrimination at her workplace. She have been in the company for over six years and viewed as a good performance worker. Even with a positive review, Dukes was denied for a training program that can further her position in the company. Is it anRead MoreWalmarts Reputation1415 Words   |  6 PagesThe culture and organizational behavior of Wal-Mart has many consumers questioning the integrity of the company. Wal-Mart has seen itself in some of the nations largest suits. Wal-Mart has been harshly criticized in the public eye for over a decade now. The companies brand is a stake and Wal-Mart is fighting to change their reputation it day in and day out. It appears that Wal-Mart grew too big too fast and never planned on this rapid growth . 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