By Alimat Aliyeva

The American Walt Disney Co. will pay $43.3 million to settle claims that the company systematically paid women in middle management positions less than men in comparable roles, Azernews reports.

This settlement is expected to resolve a legal dispute that began in 2019 when product manager Laronda Rasmussen, who is still employed at the company, filed a lawsuit against Disney. Later, nine other plaintiffs joined the case.

The lawsuit alleges that, over nearly a decade, Disney paid female middle managers at least $151 million less than their male counterparts with similar experience and qualifications.

Disney denies these allegations and does not acknowledge them in the settlement agreement. "We have always sought to pay our employees fairly," the company stated.

The settlement requires approval from a judge. If approved, it will allow Disney to avoid a jury trial.

Disney shares dropped by 0.2% in pre-market trading on Tuesday. However, since the start of this year, the company’s stock has increased by 28.5%.