Supreme Stupidity

The Supreme Court put the brakes on a massive job discrimination lawsuit against mega-retailer Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., saying sweeping class-action status that could potentially involve hundreds of thousands of current and former female workers was simply too large.

The ruling Monday was a big victory for the nation's largest private employer, and the business community at large.

The high-profile case– perhaps the most closely watched of the high court's term– is among the most important dealing with corporate versus worker rights that the justices have ever heard, and could eventually impact nearly every private employer, large and small.

So, their concern isn't that thousands upon thousands are being treated improperly under the law.  Discrimination?  Don't worry about it.  The fact that it's so bit it might make a difference is what is holding back the Supreme Freaking Court.  I am afraid I have to call bullshit, big time.  That is what the Supreme Court is for, and they should take a look at this and do their job.  


Right now, workers need protection more than ever.  With so many out of work and considered "working poor" businesses can exploit this. 

Gisel Ruiz, Executive Vice President for Wal-Mart U.S., said in a statement the company was "pleased" with the court's ruling.

"Walmart has had strong policies against discrimination for many years. The Court today unanimously rejected class certification and, as the majority made clear, the plaintiffs’ claims were worlds away from showing a companywide discriminatory pay and promotion policy," the statement said. "By reversing the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision, the majority effectively ends this class action lawsuit.

He's wrong.  Wal-Mart wasn't found innocent, the victims were found too plentiful.  As a woman who has gone through this many times, I share their frustration.  More than once I have worked longer hours, produced more results, and made measurable improvements only to be paid less than my male coworkers and promoted more slowly.  I'm not saying Wal-Mart is guilty, that hasn't been proven.  But this is plain cowardly and stupid, a chance to investigate and help has been turned down knowingly.  I'm disgusted.