Real Story of Discriminatory Pay

Vernell entered into a contract with Nationwide General Insurance for an annual salary of $66,000, a salary grade 18, and certain benefits that are attached with such a salary grade, including parking privileges, relocation benefits and immediate participation in the management incentive compensation program. Vernell argued that her employer's compensation scale favored male employees. For instance, males in positions comparable to Vernell received very different salaries, salary grades and benefits. Vernell filed both an Ohio and Federal claim against her employer, Nationwide General Insurance Company, for sex discrimination and constructive discharge. Her employer failed to justify the differences in wages and argued that they entered into an employment contract with Vernell for a certain rate and benefits. The jury found in favor of Vernell on all of her claims. All together Vernell received $386, 235 for the discrimination she suffered.

Sutherland v. Nationwide Gen. Ins. Co. (1994), 96 Ohio App.3d 793, 645 N.E.2d 1338.