A failure-to-promote gender discrimination suit against the New York Fire Department brought by five women has settled for $1.25 million. The women, who worked in the department's Emergency Medical Service, complained that they were barred by gender discrimination from rising above the rank of Lieutenant, a step achievable through a civil service exam. Further promotions were dependent upon subjective decisions and here gender discrimination came into play, the women claimed. In addition to the $1.25 million settlement payout, upward adjustments will be made to their pension benefits.
Source: New York Times
This sounds like what is sometimes referred to as "glass ceiling" gender discrimination in which women are effectively barred from rising too high up in a company or organization. See our previous discussion on "glass ceiling" discrimination: Sex Discrimination - Breaking the Glass Ceiling.
