In late May, the U.S. courts dealt pharmaceutical giant Novartis a hammer blow, finding the company guilty of sex discrimination towards 12 of its female employees, and awarded compensatory damages of US$ 3.3 million. The employees had filed a class action lawsuit in 2004, accusing Novartis of systemically discriminating against them in terms of pay and opportunities for promotion—all in a hostile work environment. According to David Sanford, a lawyer for the women, the decision sends a clear and powerful message to Novartis and other companies that they cannot continue to get away with such practices. The victory clears the way for 5,588 other Novartis employees, who can also apply for compensatory damages. The total bill for Novartis is US$ 250 million in punitive damages.
The company expressed disappointment with the judgment, rendered after six weeks of arguments, and said it would appeal the case.