2008

Sterling Sued for Discrimination

October 2008

Sterling Jewelers has been sued by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for allegedly "discriminating against a large class of female employees at stores nationwide."

The EEOC alleges Sterling "pays its female retail sales employees less than male employees performing equal work, and denies female employees promotional opportunities for which they are qualified."

The EEOC said it filed its lawsuit after failing to reach a voluntary settlement with Sterling. It is seeking "monetary relief, an order requiring the company to implement new policies and practices to prevent discrimination, training about anti-discrimination laws, posting of notices at the worksite, and other injunctive relief."

Sterling denies the charges.