(Bloomberg) -- Bank of America Corp. will pay $39 million to settle a discrimination lawsuit brought on behalf of women employees at its Merrill Lynch unit, according to court filings.
Lawyers representing female financial advisers and licensed trainees filed a request for approval of the settlement yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn, New York. The advisers alleged in the lawsuit that Merrill discriminated against women in those positions in compensation and business opportunities.
This settlement helps ensure that Merrill Lynch is a place where women can thrive and be successful, Cara E. Greene, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said in a statement. Hopefully others will follow Merrill Lynchs example.
The accord, which is subject to approval by a federal judge, covers about 4,800 women who worked at the firm during the period of Aug. 2, 2007 to Sept. 15, 2013, according to documents filed with the plaintiffs motion.
Along with a cash fund, the settlement would require changes at the firm to be overseen by an independent monitor, according to the plaintiffs attorneys.
The lawsuit stemmed from investigations starting as early as 2006, according to the lawyers. Charlotte, North Carolina- based Bank ofAmerica announced its purchase of Merrill Lynch in 2008.
We are pleased to resolve this matter, Bank of America spokesman William Halldin said in an e-mailed statement. The resolution includes a number of additional and enhanced initiatives that will enrich our existing diversity, inclusion and development programs, providing even more opportunities for women to succeed as financial advisers.
In a separate case, a federal judge in Chicago is considering whether to approve a $160 million settlement of claims that Merrill Lynch wasnt giving black employees the same business opportunities as the firms white financial advisers.
The case is Calibuso v. Bank of America Corp., 2:10- cv-01413, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York (Brooklyn).
