Novartis' US unit settles gender discrimination claims in $152.5 million deal

Swiss drug major Novartis says that its US subsidiary, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp (NPC), has reached an 'amicable' end to litigation in a class action suit over gender discrimination brought by female employees, agreeing to a settlement of around $152.5 million and to spend an estimated $22.5 million on improving policies and programs to promote equality in the workplace.

"While we believe that there was not systemic discrimination at NPC, the trial revealed that some of our associates had experiences influenced by managerial behavior inconsistent with our values," said Joe Jimenez, chief executive of Novartis AG. "As a company we are now even more strongly resolved to ensure that all our employees act and behave in accordance with our corporate values. We aspire to be a leader in diversity and inclusion, and I am committed to implementing decisive measures to ensure that we act in accordance with our values," he added.