Former Anheuser-Busch executive claims gender bias

October 29, 2009

New Source: JusticeNewsFlash.com

Legal news for Missouri employment attorneys. A former female executive claims she was a victim of gender discrimination.

Missouri employment lawyers alerts- A lawsuit filed against Anheuser-Busch Inc. alleges gender bias.

St. Louis, MO—The largest brewing company in the United States, Anheuser-Busch InBev, is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by an ex-top female executive who claims she is a victim of gender bias. The former employee filed the lawsuit in a Missouri state court in St. Louis on Monday, October 26, 2009, as reported by Reuters.

The lawsuit, Katz v. Anheuser-Busch Inc et al, Missouri Circuit Court, 22nd Judicial District, City of St. Louis, No 0922-CC09513 was filed by Francine Katz, a former chief communications officer of 20 years. In 2007, Katz’s salary was reportedly only 46 percent of what her male predecessor on the same 17-person committee she was on, was making six years earlier.

The plaintiff also claimed in September 2008, when Belgium’s InBev bought Anhesuer, she became aware through a draft regulatory filing that she and another woman on the committee were making less than other equal male counterparts. In addition, Katz claims she complained on several occasions about the pay differences to Anheuser executives, but her requests were “ignored or met with hostility and misinformation.”

The lawsuit further alleged that the brewing company has maintained a gender bias in both pay and promotions; few women were promoted to top jobs and committees; women were excluded from information social networks; and Anheuser fostered a “locker room” and “frat party” atmosphere in the workplace.

Katz is seeking lost wages, punitive damages, and other damages from Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bass, and Stella Arotis. A Anheuser representative stated the lawsuit and claims are “unjustified,” and the brewing company “firmly believes in treating all employees fairly and prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender.”

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Missouri employment lawyers.