Victory for women at Novartis...class action status granted by a Federal Judge

Hi all,

Check this link out below...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/02/bu...1&oref=slogins

A Federal judge ruled that the women who filed the lawsuit would be given class status. The 19 women who filed will represent aobut 5,000 other women from Novartis.

This is a MAJOR victory, and quite frankly, I am glad for them.

It's time to stop what Novartis has been and continues to do to people, especially women!!!!!!!!!!

Hooray, now we need to have a victory for the Mice, sheep and dogs that have been abused by Novartis. Especially the sheep.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Hi all,

Check this link out below...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/02/bu...1&oref=slogins

A Federal judge ruled that the women who filed the lawsuit would be given class status. The 19 women who filed will represent aobut 5,000 other women from Novartis.

This is a MAJOR victory, and quite frankly, I am glad for them.

It's time to stop what Novartis has been and continues to do to people, especially women!!!!!!!!!!

Go get the bastards

Can more women still get in on this, as there are still many issues going on?

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Can more women still get in on this, as there are still many issues going on?

You don't need to get in on it, you are already a class member by the judge's ruling.

However, if you are having issues, it would be best to email the firm who is handling this case to see if you might have an additional set of claims to pursue.

They are great, don't be afraid to contact them. I am one of the original plaintiffs, and I don't regret for a minute that I am pursuing this.

nydclaw.com is the email address.

What exactly are you claiming?

Originally Posted by Anonymous

What exactly are you claiming?

I'm not sure what they are claiming, but I want to get in line at the trough and suppliment my bonus check. Any idea how much money we will be getting?

Originally Posted by Anonymous

What exactly are you claiming?

We are claiming gender discrimination (pregnancy, maternity, returning to work after children) and other claims.

Below is the link regarding their complaint, Velez v. Novartis:

http://www.nydclaw.com/velezet.alv.n...04civ09194.pdf

It is 121 pages in length but interesting to scan through in so revealing how NVS obviously discriminates against women!

I am a NVS employee, who is female, and in a position of leadership.
I have just read most of the 121 pages, and can state with a very high degree of certainty the facts stated within this filing are probably just that, FACTS. This is the way our great leadership handles women.

I will support you from the shadows, good luck!

watch 20 20 tonight

I agree with Stossel. I am a woman, I don't want children I find it offensive a lot of times when women who are popping out kids like puppies are constantly taking off for one thing or another because of their children, at my last job (with a big pharma) they could take days off that were not counted as vacation because of "sick" kids therefore getting WAY mor time off than anyone else. It's BS...just my opinon!

DIKE!!!!

Originally Posted by Anonymous

DIKE!!!!

ditto

wonder when this will be settled?
bet Novartis LOVED being in the spotlight last night!
what about the other lawsuit? about overtime?

hopefully more light can be shed on the corruption of this company!

so sad that what once were two great companies have turned into such a cesspool of corruption and wrongdoing

their day will come

expect more violations with fines and decisions from judges and jurors against Novartis

Originally Posted by Anonymous

DIKE!!!!

I am not a dike, just because i don't like kids nor do i want them I am happily married and think that sometimes some women (not all) take advantage of the my kid is sick excuse.

Go get yourself a life. Enjoy your homosexuality.

I'm not female but I always find it interesting how many people that gather under the banner of fairness and the right to be heard can so quickly shout down and deny the right to be heard from others. I know of few public policy issues that are black and white. While in principle, I support what this legal action is attempting to accomplish, because I have seen examples of how the company has mistreated women in this situation, I have also seen cases where the women knew the terr. size before pregnancy or had to know they were pregnant when they
took a position that would make demands on time. To attack someone who has a different perspective and even offers valid points is to be extremely narrow minded and suggests that you are little better than the company you are accusing.

The company has a duty as a corporate citizen. I feel sorry for the woman who doesn't like kids and is upset about women being pregnant and kids are sick.

Women who take lots time off to attend their children get punished--no promotion, etc.

It is sad for the women who give up motherhood. There are many women who want kids but can't.

I found it is outrageous for the woman who was in the show spoke about "I think my employer has the right to fire me if they decided to because I am pregnant". Is she stupid or what? "The law does more law than good?" what is she talking about?

We should boycott the organization.

Okay, let say that you have a guy/girl team in a territory. The girl gets pregnant and goes out on pregnancy leave and takes additional time off to bond with the little rug rat. The guy is left in the field and has to handle the whole territory, sometimes for 6 months or more. Obviously half the share of voice is gone, the territories chance of performing up to par is diminished, she is exempt from evaluation due to being out on pregnancy leave and the guy is screwed re: bonus, etc. It's not fair to the rep left in the field when one is out pregnant. When one partner is out, the requirements on the territory need to be adjusted downward to be fair, but no one is fair to the rep left working.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Okay, let say that you have a guy/girl team in a territory. The girl gets pregnant and goes out on pregnancy leave and takes additional time off to bond with the little rug rat. The guy is left in the field and has to handle the whole territory, sometimes for 6 months or more. Obviously half the share of voice is gone, the territories chance of performing up to par is diminished, she is exempt from evaluation due to being out on pregnancy leave and the guy is screwed re: bonus, etc. It's not fair to the rep left in the field when one is out pregnant. When one partner is out, the requirements on the territory need to be adjusted downward to be fair, but no one is fair to the rep left working.

You are right in terms the Company should have adjusted the Goal properly. But the Company did not. That leaves who ever is in the same territory in a worse situtation becasue of the pregnancy. The lawsuit was filed to have a better outcome for everyone.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

You are right in terms the Company should have adjusted the Goal properly. But the Company did not. That leaves who ever is in the same territory in a worse situtation becasue of the pregnancy. The lawsuit was filed to have a better outcome for everyone.

I would be willing to bet that the suit will in no way address the circumstances of the rep left in the field. It will only deal with the pregnant woman's rights. I have been in such a predicament before when the woman was barely back and became pregnant again. Three others in the pod quit and I stayed around to be placed on a PIP and eventually terminated.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

You are right in terms the Company should have adjusted the Goal properly. But the Company did not. That leaves who ever is in the same territory in a worse situtation becasue of the pregnancy. The lawsuit was filed to have a better outcome for everyone.

it's because the company has antiquated policies. Welcome to the 21st century!! it is no longer the "good ole boys club" and these companies better get on board because more and more laws and lawsuits will be comming down for women's rights in the workplace!
There should be "floater" reps in place to take place of those on leave. I have benn in the industry for dozens of years, and that's what the "good" companies used to do. They are just too cheap now to hire in floater reps and adjust goals properly, so they would rather deal with lawsuits instead of treat employeeys with respect.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

The company has a duty as a corporate citizen. I feel sorry for the woman who doesn't like kids and is upset about women being pregnant and kids are sick.

Women who take lots time off to attend their children get punished--no promotion, etc.

It is sad for the women who give up motherhood. There are many women who want kids but can't.

Those are your own views don't patronize someone or put them down because they don't want children...there are many that want kids and cannot have them that is sad, but that is what adoption is for. Just because somone doesn't want kids it is not sad it is their right as it is their body. Feel sorry all you want but it is her decision. If you want to be a mother that is great, but you cannot have your cake and eat it too, you have to set priorities you cannot put your kids and work at #1...doesn't work that way. And yes I do find it somewhat unfair when people are taking time off left and right...I even had the situation in my territory where a counterpart called in sick due to a sick child and went on vacation instead they just didn't want to use the vacation time...talk about sad!

The other poster about leaving the responsibility to the other counterpart is 100% correct, I have been in that situation and it sucks and there is nothing you can do about it.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

it's because the company has antiquated policies. Welcome to the 21st century!! it is no longer the "good ole boys club" and these companies better get on board because more and more laws and lawsuits will be comming down for women's rights in the workplace!
There should be "floater" reps in place to take place of those on leave. I have benn in the industry for dozens of years, and that's what the "good" companies used to do. They are just too cheap now to hire in floater reps and adjust goals properly, so they would rather deal with lawsuits instead of treat employeeys with respect.

Go women go! I am on your side. This one, as most big corporations has a long way to go to assure your rights and equality in the work place. Yes, they came a long way in employing women but it started not as the right thing to do, but some "oldboy" discovered that women can "sell" because they are pretty and doctors like them. That was wrong but that was the reality and many still hire you for your looks not other stuff. Of course there is nothing wrong with being good looking, well dressed etc. men could learn a thing or two from you for sure. At this time many men see you as a threat and will do anything to stop you. This law suit is a brilliant idea and I am sure it will be successful. It is time that someone really stood up to this monstrisity and fought them in the court of law. By the way that is the only arena they are afraid of and can lose. Also I believe that women will be the first to teach them a lesson and they will also be the ones who will save us from the destructive activities invented and persued by men.
Go girls go!!!

There is an old saying in China: Children are punished for their parents' sin. I would not do anything wrong with my conscience for my children's sake. For a few women who take advantage of the "sick" policy are or will be punished.

Having kids of your own or adoption make no difference to me. I stay away from the women who don't have any children after a certain age. They are mean inside.

I don know some women like Diane Sawyer who wanted to have childrend but pass the right time. It is case by case evaluation.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

There is an old saying in China: Children are punished for their parents' sin. I would not do anything wrong with my conscience for my children's sake. For a few women who take advantage of the "sick" policy are or will be punished.

Having kids of your own or adoption make no difference to me. I stay away from the women who don't have any children after a certain age. They are mean inside.

I don know some women like Diane Sawyer who wanted to have childrend but pass the right time. It is case by case evaluation.

Women who don't want kids are not mean inside for not wanting to have a child, it is a personal choice and it takes a special person to be a mother. It takes a lot of patience and understanding that some people just don't have. I will agree with the other poster I too am a career woman and enjoy my life and being married without kids, I enjoy the time I get to spend with my husband alone and the trips we take being able to just pickup and go and not have to worry about a sitter. I am not financially worried about diapers and formula and paying for college. I don't have that maternal instinct mothers do, I look at a baby and see it for what it is...a baby. I don't get all oohy gooey inside and want one, and I don't feel like I need to apologize for it. To each their own, a woman should not be chastized for not wanting children IT IS HER CHOICE. Yes there are women out there who want kids and cannot have them, that is what adoption is for or surrogacy will give them that chance. Why is it ok for men to not want children but not a woman? Not everyone looks at a child as a blessing.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Women who don't want kids are not mean inside for not wanting to have a child, it is a personal choice and it takes a special person to be a mother. It takes a lot of patience and understanding that some people just don't have. I will agree with the other poster I too am a career woman and enjoy my life and being married without kids, I enjoy the time I get to spend with my husband alone and the trips we take being able to just pickup and go and not have to worry about a sitter. I am not financially worried about diapers and formula and paying for college. I don't have that maternal instinct mothers do, I look at a baby and see it for what it is...a baby. I don't get all oohy gooey inside and want one, and I don't feel like I need to apologize for it. To each their own, a woman should not be chastized for not wanting children IT IS HER CHOICE. Yes there are women out there who want kids and cannot have them, that is what adoption is for or surrogacy will give them that chance. Why is it ok for men to not want children but not a woman? Not everyone looks at a child as a blessing.

It is biological for women to want to have children. You can't go against millions of years of biology.
There is obviously a screw loose in your head. Have you tried Clozaril?

Woo hoo! You go girls.

Joe Gunning, your f'd! The magic 8 ball says Sanford Wittels & Heisler, LLC, will be naming you as a conspirator to oppress hard working women. You better get a fat insurance policy now! While your at that, transfer all of your assets to non-relatives. Sucks to be you. May you get whats coming to you and your illegitimate children. We know they are out there, but does Mrs Gunning know?

Originally Posted by Anonymous

It is biological for women to want to have children. You can't go against millions of years of biology.
There is obviously a screw loose in your head. Have you tried Clozaril?

It's biological for women to BE ABLE TO HAVE KIDS, NOT TO WANT THEM. It's only biology because we are the ones who can get pregnant, if it were men you would be singing a different tune. JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN, DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD! Look at all those who just keep popping out kids and cannot pay for them or take care of them. They can but should they, probably not!

Call me selfish, crazy whatever you want...my body, my choice....NOT YOURS!

Just in: Novartis has hired the octa-mom to use her as proof they look after mothers/employees who have children they need to look after. They will let her do whatever she needs to do with her children, showing care and utmosts flexibility.
Advice for the plaintiff; This co is ready and capable to do anyhting, we mean anything to save their ass.

This company is sick in all senses of the word. They discriminate and that is what this lawsuit is about. People have choices but we all have laws to abide by. If you want to change the laws than go for it.

The reality is, Novartis makes their own laws and that is BS. They are greedy and are not sensitive to laws, often breaking them for the good old dollar. Until they pay out big, they will never learn their lesson.

You can hypothesize all you want... LAWS are set in stone and Novartis is gonna get socked in the mouth like the deserve. Horray!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Anonymous

This company is sick in all senses of the word. They discriminate and that is what this lawsuit is about. People have choices but we all have laws to abide by. If you want to change the laws than go for it.

The reality is, Novartis makes their own laws and that is BS. They are greedy and are not sensitive to laws, often breaking them for the good old dollar. Until they pay out big, they will never learn their lesson.

You can hypothesize all you want... LAWS are set in stone and Novartis is gonna get socked in the mouth like the deserve. Horray!!!!!!!!

I most sincerely hope you have such a good, air tight case that once the law throws a pill bottle at Novartis they will have no other way but to pay and pay big. Why am I saying this? The monster Co as this is so powerful and rich with all those low fife high priced lawyers that they will go on with appeals and other legal shit for as long as necessary to avoid paying and more importantly admitting guilt. These people who run these bigpharma monsters ain't humans. They are a completely different inhuman spices. As such they have no sympathy or undestanding for any human feelings or morality.
For instance, Exxon's inhumans made a private statement that they would never pay up for Exxon Valdez disaster till they exhost every possible avenue including the World Court. They still have not paid. Never mind the judgements against them and all the proof we have, nothing they just don't want to pay and who is going to force them? The US govern. is not going to terminate the company and use the money for this. Not in USA style wilde maket where the rich and powerfull rule.
So ladies good luck and let's hope you get them. Someone has to.

Originally Posted by An onymous

I most sincerely hope you have such a good, air tight case that once the law throws a pill bottle at Novartis they will have no other way but to pay and pay big. Why am I saying this? The monster Co as this is so powerful and rich with all those low fife high priced lawyers that they will go on with appeals and other legal shit for as long as necessary to avoid paying and more importantly admitting guilt. These people who run these bigpharma monsters ain't humans. They are a completely different inhuman spices. As such they have no sympathy or undestanding for any human feelings or morality.
For instance, Exxon's inhumans made a private statement that they would never pay up for Exxon Valdez disaster till they exhost every possible avenue including the World Court. They still have not paid. Never mind the judgements against them and all the proof we have, nothing they just don't want to pay and who is going to force them? The US govern. is not going to terminate the company and use the money for this. Not in USA style wilde maket where the rich and powerfull rule.
So ladies good luck and let's hope you get them. Someone has to.

To all of the men, and women for that matter, who resent the women in your pod who go out on maternity leave, or have to care for their sick child at times...wtf????

We live in a society where it's necessary for two incomes to be earned in order to have a good quality of life. However, we women also have the honor and responsibility to PROCREATE, to perpetuate the human race! We have to work just as well or better than our male counterparts all the while carrying a load around and most likely feeling sick as hell.

Then, we get to take time off to be in agony while in labor, and then we get to lack sleep for the next 6 to 8 weeks, all the while to return to resentful managers, counterparts and RM's who decide it's time for us to go...

Seriously, think about this...what do you want us to do???? Hire a surrogate to have the babies for us, then hire a full time nursemaid and nanny just so we won't miss a freakin' day of work??? Geez....

Originally Posted by Anonymous

To all of the men, and women for that matter, who resent the women in your pod who go out on maternity leave, or have to care for their sick child at times...wtf????

We live in a society where it's necessary for two incomes to be earned in order to have a good quality of life. However, we women also have the honor and responsibility to PROCREATE, to perpetuate the human race! We have to work just as well or better than our male counterparts all the while carrying a load around and most likely feeling sick as hell.

Then, we get to take time off to be in agony while in labor, and then we get to lack sleep for the next 6 to 8 weeks, all the while to return to resentful managers, counterparts and RM's who decide it's time for us to go...

Seriously, think about this...what do you want us to do???? Hire a surrogate to have the babies for us, then hire a full time nursemaid and nanny just so we won't miss a freakin' day of work??? Geez....

if it is such a burden and a pain to have a child...DON'T FUCKING GET KNOCKED UP IN THE FUCKING FIRST PLACE! Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! Women do not have the responsibilty to procreate, not everyone looks at a child as a blessing!

Originally Posted by Anonymous

To all of the men, and women for that matter, who resent the women in your pod who go out on maternity leave, or have to care for their sick child at times...wtf????

We live in a society where it's necessary for two incomes to be earned in order to have a good quality of life. However, we women also have the honor and responsibility to PROCREATE, to perpetuate the human race! We have to work just as well or better than our male counterparts all the while carrying a load around and most likely feeling sick as hell.

Then, we get to take time off to be in agony while in labor, and then we get to lack sleep for the next 6 to 8 weeks, all the while to return to resentful managers, counterparts and RM's who decide it's time for us to go...

Seriously, think about this...what do you want us to do???? Hire a surrogate to have the babies for us, then hire a full time nursemaid and nanny just so we won't miss a freakin' day of work??? Geez....

I agree with you! Anyone who doesn't see a child as a blessing is a selfish fool who will someday, when they are old and alone, realize they did have a responsibility to procreate; if for no other good reason then at least to raise a good tax paying American who would have been the only person who would have visited their crochity old ass in the nursing home!

Originally Posted by Anonymous

I agree with you! Anyone who doesn't see a child as a blessing is a selfish fool who will someday, when they are old and alone, realize they did have a responsibility to procreate; if for no other good reason then at least to raise a good tax paying American who would have been the only person who would have visited their crochity old ass in the nursing home!

you're fucking insane you talk about popping out a kid like it is my patriotic duty or something! Having a child is not a must, women are not obligated. Man are you closed minded, bet you think the best place for a woman is barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen! Oh yes that is it the sole reason to have a child is so you have someone to take care of you when you are old and can't wipe your own ass, yes they can do it for you! You are demented, I wouldn't want to be one of your kids.

Having a child is a choice, and not everyone should. It is a free fucking country last thim I checked I was free to not want kids if I so desire. Thank god not everyone thinks like you do, or else we'd be as overpopulated as China!

Originally Posted by Anonymous

you're fucking insane you talk about popping out a kid like it is my patriotic duty or something! Having a child is not a must, women are not obligated. Man are you closed minded, bet you think the best place for a woman is barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen! Oh yes that is it the sole reason to have a child is so you have someone to take care of you when you are old and can't wipe your own ass, yes they can do it for you! You are demented, I wouldn't want to be one of your kids.

Having a child is a choice, and not everyone should. It is a free fucking country last thim I checked I was free to not want kids if I so desire. Thank god not everyone thinks like you do, or else we'd be as overpopulated as China!

Too bad your parents didn't think like you do...

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Too bad your parents didn't think like you do...

no they wanted kids...THAT WAS THEIR CHOICE! My choice is not to have children, TO EACH THEIR OWN! I can tell you must be a conservative republican because you are trying to force your ideals and stuff them down my throat as they all do!

Rediculous. I've worked for Novartis since the 90's. I have gotten married and had two children while working here. I've had several managers and they have always been supportive. The company contributes $1000 a year toward my child care expenses, and has covered my family for all medical and dental expenses. I have colleagues at Novartis who are also working mothers and have had job share arrangements approved. I have friends who work for other companies and NO ONE has had the good experiences as I have been afforded at Novartis. I know that I am not alone. This 'class action' lawsuit certainly doesn't represent the sentiments of all females at Novartis, that I am sure of.

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Rediculous. I've worked for Novartis since the 90's. I have gotten married and had two children while working here. I've had several managers and they have always been supportive. The company contributes $1000 a year toward my child care expenses, and has covered my family for all medical and dental expenses. I have colleagues at Novartis who are also working mothers and have had job share arrangements approved. I have friends who work for other companies and NO ONE has had the good experiences as I have been afforded at Novartis. I know that I am not alone. This 'class action' lawsuit certainly doesn't represent the sentiments of all females at Novartis, that I am sure of.

exactly!

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Rediculous. I've worked for Novartis since the 90's. I have gotten married and had two children while working here. I've had several managers and they have always been supportive. The company contributes $1000 a year toward my child care expenses, and has covered my family for all medical and dental expenses. I have colleagues at Novartis who are also working mothers and have had job share arrangements approved. I have friends who work for other companies and NO ONE has had the good experiences as I have been afforded at Novartis. I know that I am not alone. This 'class action' lawsuit certainly doesn't represent the sentiments of all females at Novartis, that I am sure of.

Just a quick question...Did you ever have an interest in moving beyond a Rep's position into management? How about your colleagues you refer to?

Originally Posted by Anonymous

We are claiming gender discrimination (pregnancy, maternity, returning to work after children) and other claims.

Hell, the guys want those same benefits!! Where do we sign up?

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Hell, the guys want those same benefits!! Where do we sign up?

in many companies men can take paternity leave, however it is rarely paid like maternity leave is.

If dad works for a company with more than 50 workers, U.S. law mandates he can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year to celebrate the birth or adoption of his child. But dad will need to notify his employer 30 days before he begins his leave. And fear not, federal law protects dad from losing his rank in the company while on paternity leave!

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Rediculous. I've worked for Novartis since the 90's. I have gotten married and had two children while working here. I've had several managers and they have always been supportive. The company contributes $1000 a year toward my child care expenses, and has covered my family for all medical and dental expenses. I have colleagues at Novartis who are also working mothers and have had job share arrangements approved. I have friends who work for other companies and NO ONE has had the good experiences as I have been afforded at Novartis. I know that I am not alone. This 'class action' lawsuit certainly doesn't represent the sentiments of all females at Novartis, that I am sure of.

I'll tell you right now that you are fortunate. This lawsuit did not come about from 1 case. It happened to me and a bunch of others. When I got pregnant, they wanted rid of me and did not care about the many years of high performance. Without trying to judge you, I feel you are being a little niave in this situation. Class action is pursued when many in the class have similar situation. Good for you but not for all. They break laws at Novartis.

Have I been fortunate? Am I naive? Maybe. More than that I would say that I have always demonstrated to my manager, teammates and customers how I bring value, that I strive to surpass their expectations, that I don't take anything for granted. I transferred my samples and programs before going out on maternity leave. I voluntarially stayed in touch with the team while I was out. I didn't take the full unpaid leave time. I secured reliable child care early on. I am now a manager.

Have I made sacrafices? You bet. My boys are now almost out of grade school. I was never able to be a class mom, often not there when they were sick, missed many a baseball game. Was it worth it? Frankly I'm not sure. Just the choice I made.

Are there pockets of managers at Novartis who do or say the wrong things? Of course. Are there managers who discriminate? Maybe. I think at any company you'll find them lurking somewhere. No, this is not an easy job for working parents, but this company in my opinion has done more to accomodate working mothers as a company can. It's good as it gets. For those individual situations where someone was mistreated, I say absolutely file a suit. But Novartis in general discriminating against working mothers? Novartis managers firing high performing females for being pregnant? No way. Good luck proving your 'class action' case. This whole thing just turns my stomach.

To poster #46,

What flavor was the kool-aid you drank this morning? Grape or cherry?

No kool-aid. Just my experience with Novartis. I guess being satisfied with your company is pretty boring. C' ya!

Not to say anything about the marriage success rate of female district managers.

Pretty stellar record there, right ladies?

Originally Posted by Anonymous

Have I been fortunate? Am I naive? Maybe. More than that I would say that I have always demonstrated to my manager, teammates and customers how I bring value, that I strive to surpass their expectations, that I don't take anything for granted. I transferred my samples and programs before going out on maternity leave. I voluntarially stayed in touch with the team while I was out. I didn't take the full unpaid leave time. I secured reliable child care early on. I am now a manager.

Have I made sacrafices? You bet. My boys are now almost out of grade school. I was never able to be a class mom, often not there when they were sick, missed many a baseball game. Was it worth it? Frankly I'm not sure. Just the choice I made.

Are there pockets of managers at Novartis who do or say the wrong things? Of course. Are there managers who discriminate? Maybe. I think at any company you'll find them lurking somewhere. No, this is not an easy job for working parents, but this company in my opinion has done more to accomodate working mothers as a company can. It's good as it gets. For those individual situations where someone was mistreated, I say absolutely file a suit. But Novartis in general discriminating against working mothers? Novartis managers firing high performing females for being pregnant? No way. Good luck proving your 'class action' case. This whole thing just turns my stomach.

Your whole post is missing the point...all of us (dads and moms) make sacrifices when it comes to missing our children's events/sickness, etc...however, why should the class action case turn your stomach? Just as another poster put it, good for you that you haven't had to experience the discrimination and heartache that some of us had to go through. A federal court judge with much more education than you deemed it a class action because he say systemic problems throughout the country in many different circumstances...

You have a right to your opinion, and I respect that. Don't be so critical of what others have gone through. By the way, since this turns your stomach, I fully expect you to return any monies to Novartis you might receive from being a part of this class action when the time comes. Maybe even donate it to charity. Don't even think of using it for your own family after speaking your opinion so loudly.