DeLauro on Wal-Mart Report Showing Gender Discrimination

Washington, DC –Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) released the following statement today in response to a report in the New York Times today that Wal-Mart, the defendant in the largest gender discrimination lawsuit in history, was aware of such inequities as far back as 1995.

The report, which was conducted more than six years before the first claims were filed, was done to evaluate how vulnerable the company would be to discrimination claims. It found that not only were female employees paid less than their male counterparts, but they were also less likely to be promoted.

Just because something is illegal, does not mean it does not happen. This internal Wal-Mart report obtained by the New York Times clearly demonstrates that systematic discrimination against women is still a reality. Millions of women go to work each day, do the same jobs as their male co-workers, and are paid less—and it is simply wrong," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "That is why, as we look to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the passage of the Equal Pay Act on June 11, I call upon the Senate to take up the Paycheck Fairness Act, a bill that would give teeth to the Equal Pay Act and ensure that the disgraceful and illegal practice of discrimination ends. Our work to end gender discrimination in the workplace is far from over, but it is time to start moving forward."