SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California has approved a $7.75 million settlement in a class action lawsuit against Western Digital Corp. and Western Digital Technologies Inc. on behalf of a class of 1,863 female employees alleging sex discrimination and unequal pay, according to the law firm that represented the employees.
Under the settlement, more than $5 million will be distributed directly to class members according to a settlement formula, the New York-based law firm Sanford Heisler Sharp said in a news release. Class members should expect to receive their checks in the mail in February.
Western Digital is a computer data storage company and one of the largest hard disk manufacturers in the world, the law firm said. The case alleged nationwide discrimination against female employees in pay, promotions and placement.
The company will also launch programs designed to ensure equal opportunities for women at the company, the law firm said.
Western Digital has already taken several steps to enhance equity, objectivity, and transparency in pay and promotions and will adopt other measures, the law firm said. These steps include:
• Creating a plan to increase the number of women hired and promoted to leadership.
• Educating employees on nondiscrimination policies.
• Conducting statistical analyses of gender equity in pay and promotions.
• Revamping internal complaint procedures.
Western Digital will also appoint an internal compliance monitor who will ensure implementation and compliance with the agreement and provide reports to the attorneys representing the class.