HOUSTON – A woman is suing her employer alleging she was paid less than her male counterparts and not given consideration for new positions.
Kathryn Sharp filed a complaint in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Stage Stores Inc., alleging gender discrimination and violation of the Equal Pay Act.
The plaintiff alleges she began working for Specialty Retailers, a subsidiary of the defendant, in 2009 as a director of tax. The suit states she was promoted to vice president of tax in 2012.
The plaintiff alleges she annually asked the defendant for more opportunities.
"However, every year, Stage Stores made it clear that because she is a woman, she would not prosper at Stage Stores," the suit states.
In October 2017, the plaintiff alleges she learned that there was a new position available and that she was qualified. Alleges she submitted her name for consideration but was later told her name had never come up for consideration.
The plaintiff also alleges the defendant regularly pays male employees thousands more than female employees.
The plaintiff is seeking a trial by jury, back pay and wages owed, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees, court costs, interest and other relief deemed fit. The plaintiff is represented by Alfonso Kennard Jr. of Kennard Law PC in Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number 4:19-CV-1979