Northeast Florida women are taking on Walmart over gender equality

Northeast Florida women are taking on Walmart over gender equality.

The women are suing the retail giant for alleged gender-pay and promotion discrimination.

Twelve of the nearly 100 Florida women listed in the lawsuit are from Northeast Florida.

Cathleen Scott is one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs.

“Really what we’re attacking is the culture of Walmart. The idea that men can advance very quickly and get hired and pay more,” Scott said.

STORY: Walmart will pay bonus for perfect attendance

STORY: Group drinks wine from Pringles cans in Walmart parking lot in honor of woman banned for doing so

The lawsuit claims men were paid more, despite less or similar experience.

It also alleged women were passed up for promotions because of their gender.

In one case, the lawsuit said an employee didn’t receive a promotion within the electronics department. Instead, it was given to a guy with only three-month's experience because “they needed a man for the position.”

Action News Jax reached out to Walmart, which disputes the allegations.

A spokesperson for the company sent Action News Jax this statement: 
"Walmart has had a strong policy against discrimination in place for many years and we continue to be a great place for women to work and advance. The allegations from these plaintiffs are not representative of the positive experiences that millions of women have had working at Walmart. We've said all along that if someone believes they have been treated unfairly, they deserve to have their timely, individual claims heard in court. We plan to defend the company against these claims."

Cox Media Group