Novartis Sex Bias Trial Opens

In the "What We Love" section of Working Mother's 100 Best Companies survey last year, a mom and part-time employee of drug giant Novartis AG gushes: “I’ve used my arrangements to allow more time for friendships, community activities, fitness and personal interests.”

Several thousand sales women at the company see it differently. They contend in a discrimination lawsuit they were denied better pay and promotions. One woman scheduled to testify in court says her boss encouraged her to get an abortion.

These women are asking for more than $200 million in damages in a U.S. suit headed to trial today in New York. Lawyers say the case is one of the biggest class-action lawsuits to go to trial. Many of these cases are settled.

“If we win this case, we will have accomplished quite a bit for women not only at Novartis, but all across the United States,” David W. Sanford, lead lawyer for the women, tells the New York Times.

He calls the evidence against Novartis "overwhelming." Novartis says it's confident it will prevail, showing progressive policies at the company that favor women.

Females make up more than half of the Swiss company's U.S. workforce, 44 percent of managers and 38 percent of top earners, according to Working Mother.

Other things Working Mother loves about Novartis: Job sharing, telecommuting and discounts at child-care chains. When Novartis was asked if women promoted last year used flexible work arrangements, the answer was "not available."