Nike Moves To Dismiss Claims In Gender Discrimination Lawsuit

Nike on Monday filed a motion to dismiss several of the claims in the class action lawsuit two former employees filed against it in August, including the claims for violations of the Federal Equal Pay Act, the Oregon Equal Pay Act and “intentional discrimination,” in violation of the Oregon Equality Act, according to court documents. The crux of the motion is that the plaintiffs, Kelly Cahill and Sara Johnston, “fail to plead sufficient factual matter” and that the “proposed class definition is so overbroad that they cannot possibly maintain a class or collective action on the facts alleged.” Nike declined to comment. The lawsuit was the climax of a tumultuous period at Nike, which included a slew of executive departures and an apology from CEO Mark Parker for what he described as a “boys culture” atmosphere at the sports brand and retailer. In the same motion, Nike also requested an oral argument, which Judge Jolie Russo has taken under advisement until Dec. 12. Read more at Retail Dive.