On March 15, 2007, the EEOC filed this sex/pregnancy discrimination case against Zale Corporation in U.S. District Court in Alaska. The complaint was filed on behalf of an employee who claimed she had been denied promotion to a mangement postion because she was pregnant.

The parties quickly settled the case with a Consent Decree entered by U.S. District Judge John W. Sedwick on July 9, 2007, to last for two years, covering all employees at Zales Jewelers stores in the State of Alaska. The employer agreed to pay the claimant $55,000.00 in damages. The Decree prevents the employer from discriminating against its employees on the basis of sex/pregnancy. The Decree provides for evaluation and implementation of anti-discrimination policies, procedures and training, requires posting and distribution of those policies, requires anti-discrimination training for managers and supervisors and discipline of any supervisor or manager who violates the policies. It also requires the company to include the handling of EEO matters in its hiring and evaluation of managers and supervisors.

The Decree was in effect for two years from the date of its entry, July 9, 2007; it expired on July 9, 2009.

Denise Heberle - 01/05/2010


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