WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. female employees Thursday filed a $100 million lawsuit against Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis, alleging discrimination against working mothers.
The federal class-action suit, involving 12 women who worked for Novartis in 12 states and the District of Columbia, was filed in New York on behalf of current and former female employees.
"Although the language of their policies suggests that Novartis supports working mothers, Novartis' employment practices say exactly the opposite," an attorney representing the women said. "Actions, in this case, speak louder than words.
"As soon as a woman indicates that she's planning to become a mother, her male supervisors start pushing her toward the exit."
Plaintiffs in the case charge they were denied promotions, subjected to a hostile work environment, prevented from participating in management development programs, paid less than male employees and ordered by male supervisors to do work while out on family or other leave.
Novartis is the parent company for Gerber brands and the maker of such products as Maalox, CIBA Vision contact lenses, Elidel eczema treatment, Theraflu and Triaminic.
