Merrill Lynch sex bias case resumes in London

[dArKeR]

By Reuters

By Jane Merriman

London - A former top Merrill Lynch banker, who is suing the US investment bank for sex discrimination, was described as over sensitive and territorial in her management style as the case reopened at a tribunal in London on Tuesday.

Stephenie Villalba, who is seeking around 7.5 million pounds ($13.5 million) in damages for sex discrimination, victimisation, unfair dismissal and unequal pay from Merrill Lynch, denied the charge, saying she was treated differently in her role because she is a women.

The hearing is expected to set a precedent for similar cases in London's traditionally male-dominated financial sector.

Cross-examining Villalba, Nicholas Underhill, counsel for Merrill Lynch, focused on a series of e-mail exchanges between her and senior colleagues. He said the e-mails raised concerns about Villalba's teamwork skills.

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