Nike, based in Beaverton,Oregon, said the company “opposes discrimination of any type andhas a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion.” (Photo:Shutterstock)

Nike Inc. was sued for sexual discrimination by former femaleemployees who say women were “devalued and demeaned” by thecompany, where they are passed over for promotions, paid less than their malecounterparts and ignored when they complain.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court in Portland,Oregon, seeks class-action status and accuses the maker of athleticfootwear and apparel of violating the Federal Equal Pay Act and similar state laws.The plaintiffs, former employees Sara Johnston and Kelly Cahill,say the company's employment policies are hostile to women.

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“The ultimate arbiters of these policies or practices are asmall group of high-level executives who are majority male,” theformer employees say in the complaint.

Nike, based in Beaverton, Oregon, said the company “opposesdiscrimination of any type and has a long-standing commitment todiversity and inclusion.”

“We are committed to competitive pay and benefits for ouremployees,” the company said in a statement. “The vast majority ofNike employees live by our values of dignity and respect forothers.”

Nike shares have gained 37 percent in the past year. The stocksurged in late June, reaching a record high at the time, afterNorth American sales rose for the first time in four quarters,signaling that Nike's new products are catching on with U.S.shoppers. The company has been promising investors that slowinggrowth and revenue declines in its largest market were only ashort-term trend.

The case is Cahill v. Nike Inc., 18-cv-1477, U.S. DistrictCourt, District of Oregon (Portland).

— With assistance by Eben Novy-Williams

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