U.S. Supreme Court throws out Wal-Mart gender discrimination class action suit.

In a widely-anticipated 5-4 decision, the conservative Supreme Court majority took another shot at workers' rights and the middle class by dismissing the class action filed by Wal-Mart female employees against the company.  The workers alleged that Wal-Mart policies and practices resulted in wide-spread and pervasive discrimination against women.  The Plaintiffs had hoped to pursue the claim on behalf of 1.5 million female employees who were similarly disadvantaged by gender discrimination. 

Labor lawyers expressed widespread agreement that the decision will prevent many class actions where disadvantaged consumers or employees cannot afford to pursue an individual claim.