A former employee at Wells Fargo filed a lawsuit against the bank, alleging gender discrimination and unlawful termination in violation of the Equal Pay Act.
In a filing announced Aug. 12, 2020, Raena Krestovnikov claimed Wells Fargo “perpetuates a harsh double standard between male and female employees.” The former mortgage consultant alleged that the company subjected her to a lower compensation structure, awards and benefits compared to her male counterparts, based solely on the grounds of gender.
After raising the issue up the chain of command, the plaintiff alleges the company took punitive measures, resulting in a refusal to pay commissions earned, assigning her accounts to male employees and loss of employment.
"She's alleged that she … asserted her right to retain counsel to have an attorney of her choice look into the matter," Greg Helmer, partner at Helmer Friedman LLP representing the plaintiff, said in an interview.
"After she brought her concerns of discrimination to the management at Wells Fargo, she then alleges she was retaliated against, that her supervisor refused to meet with her to discuss work-related matters and was fired shortly thereafter," Helmer said.
In the outline of submitted complaints, Ms. Krestovnikov states she believes Wells Fargo owes her between $200,000 and $800,000 in unpaid commissions. The plaintiff also alleges the company sent her two letters asking to return $1,000 it claimed to have overpaid her.
In a statement to National Mortgage News, Wells Fargo said it is "reviewing the complaint and can’t comment on this pending legal matter.”
The company representative added that “Wells Fargo opposes discrimination of any kind. Diversity and inclusion is one of our core values and our goal is to embrace and promote diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our business."
