At the heart of the case is an alleged lack of opportunities for the advancement of women. The case, which involves 1.5 million female Wal-Mart employees past and present, is focused on whether the women can sue the retailer for gender discrimination in the largest employment class-action in U.S. history.
The court’s decision Monday means the case cannot continue as a class-action suit. Civil rights lawyers had said that only a class action lawsuit could remedy the regular bias that has resulted in lower wages for female workers. However, Wal-Mart had countered that argument by saying the huge lawsuit is too large and unfair.