A sex discrimination lawsuit brought against Ruth’s Chris Steak House by four current and former employees in the Washington D.C. area can proceed as a class action suit.  The United States District Court for the District of Columbia has granted the plaintiffs the right to add class action claims to the lawsuit, first filed against the restaurant chain in October 2010.  D.C.-based employment law firms Mehri & Skalet PLLC and Tycko & Zavareei LLP represent the women.

The suit claims the women, whose jobs range from bartender to national sales manager, were discriminated against on pay and promotions.

They also allege the work environment was replete with tawdry sexual advances, physical groping, sexual innuendo and retaliation against those who complained or reported sexual harassment.

Three of the women worked at Ruth’s Chris locations in D.C., Arlington and Fairfax. A fourth plaintiff is still employed at a Ruth’s Chris location in the District of Columbia.