As part of the settlement, which was reached in June, Willis will create an approximately $8.5 million fund that will be distributed to the women, Willis maintains that there was no wrongdoing on its behalf.
“Willis is an employer which values diversity,” Susan Sztuka, global group director of human resources, said in the statement. “We reward and respect each and every associate equally. It’s important to note that the alleged claims of this lawsuit date back to 1998-2001 and we are pleased to have it settled.”
The class action suit raised issues of gender discrimination in compensation and promotion during the period of Oct. 31, 1998, through Dec. 31, 2001, on behalf of employees of Willis of New York, Willis of New Jersey and Willis of Massachusetts, Willis said.