Ellis
Ellis v. Costco Wholesale Corp.
Opinion
Opinion
Patel, J.
MEMORANDUM & ORDER
Shirley Rae Ellis, Leah Horstman, and Elaine Sasaki, current and former employ ees of defendant Costco Wholesale Corporation, have brought a putative class action alleging gender discrimination in defendant’s promotion and management practices. Pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. section 2000e, et seq., plaintiffs allege that defendant’s promotion system has a disparate impact on female employees, that Costco’s management discriminates against women in promotions, and that defendant has retaliated against persons seeking redress for discrimination. In addition, plaintiffs bring pendent causes of action alleging gender discrimination in violation of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Government Code section 12940, et seq. Now before the court is defendant’s motion under 28 U.S.C. section 1404 (a) to transfer plaintiffs’ complaint to the District of Colorado, or in the alternative, to the Western District of Washington or the Southern District of California. After considering the parties’ arguments and submissions, and for the reasons set forth below, the court rules as follows. BACKGROUND