Disney accused of valuing more "male workers"

Copyright of the image
Getty Images

Walt Disney Co. is being sued for underpaid female staff.

Andrus Anderson LLP states that company policies, including basing new employees' wages on previous wages, have a discriminatory effect on women.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of two women, claims that the company does not have an internal mechanism ensuring that women are not paid less than their male counterparts for the same job.

Disney denies the allegations calling them "unfounded".

According to the complaint, reported in Variety, financial badyst LaRonda Rasmussen expressed concern over her salary with Disney Human Resources after discovering that six men sharing the same job title were better paid than they were at the time. ;she.

Salary disparities are claimed to range from $ 16,000 a year (£ 12,147) to $ 40,000 (£ 30,368).

She was given an increase of $ 25,000 (£ 19,000), but she says she still earns far less than her average male counterpart.

"Like other companies that operate without transparency, consistency and accountability," state legal papers – filed in the name of Rasmussen and another woman, Karen Moore, "Disney executives tend to place more importance on men than women.

"Overall, Disney's compensation policies, procedures, and practices are neither valid, employment-related, nor justified by business imperatives."

A spokesman for Disney – which has offices, studios and parks around the world – said: "The trial is unfounded and we will vigorously defend against him",

Andrus Anderson LLP similarly pursues several other companies, including Intel, Steptoe & Johnson and Farmers Insurance.

Last year, John Lbadeter, head of graphic design at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar, was forced to resign as a result of allegations of badual badault made by former employees.

Copyright of the image
Getty Images

Lbadeter is excused by e-mail for distributing "unwanted hugs" to colleagues.

Following the #MeToo campaign, social media users adopted the #LoseLbadeter tag.

follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a history suggestion email [email protected].