American Nurses' Association v. Illinois

783 F.2d 716 (7th Cir. 1986)

Facts

American (P) sued the State of Illinois (D), over the wages and working conditions of its members. The complaint showed that wage rates in predominantly male categories were significantly higher than in predominantly female categories. D moved for summary judgment; the complaint sounded in comparable worth and failed as a matter of law to state a claim upon which relief could be granted. The motion was granted. P appealed; the complaint, taken as a whole, stated claims for equal protection. P argues that the state has deliberately segregated and classified jobs by sex. P contends that even jobs that require the same skill sets pay more if they were classified as “male” jobs.