And a seemingly never-ending story underscores the point that gender still matters in the workplace. Nine years ago, women employees sued Wal-Mart ( WMT ) for sex discrimination in a case that has grown to be the largest class action ever. Although Wal-Mart has settled sex discrimination claims before,(and cases alleging it didn't pay for work done, a la Dick's Sporting Goods, including not paying back pay when due ), Wal-Mart has fought this case hard. So hard, in fact, that the main issue litigated hasn't been the claims of sex discrimination but whether or not the women can sue as a single class. That stage of the case is nearing an end game. A couple of weeks ago, Wal-Mart asked the Supreme Court to wipe out the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the class is appropriate. No word yet on whether the high court will take the case.