On Dec. 2, Making Change at Walmart (MCAW), along with Pride at Work and UFCW OUTreach, released a statement in response to Walmart’s settlement in the Cote et al. v. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. class action lawsuit, which accused the company of discriminating against employees who were married to same-sex spouses by denying their spouses health insurance benefits.
“Actions speak louder than words, and Walmart’s actions regarding LGBTQ workers’ and their spouses’ health benefits were discriminatory and hurtful. We are pleased to hear that Walmart has settled Cote et al. v. Walmart Stores Inc., and that they have agreed to abide by anti-discrimination policies, and to make those who have been discriminated against whole.
“We congratulate Jacqueline Cote for her bravery, and we hope she inspires other Walmart workers to come forward and speak up about intolerance. In addition, we hope that Walmart realizes that this is just a start, and that too many of its hard-working Walmart men and women face poverty-level wages, poor benefits and unfair workplaces. Now, more than ever, it is time for Walmart to wake up and change.”