BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Inside a Burlington building Tuesday, Vermont's equal pay act took center stage.
"This is going to be the first time a federal judge has interpreted what Vermont's equal pay statute means and how courts going forward should interpret it," said Vermont Law School Professor Cheryl Hannah.
The case Judge William Sessions heard involved a woman that worked in a South Burlington store, who was replaced by a younger man, who made more money.
Outside the former employee, Wendie Dreves had nothing to say, but law experts say Dreves had a good morning in court.
"It seemed like Judge Sessions was very sympathetic," said Hannah.
Dreves' attorney argued she was fired from Hudson News because of her age and gender.
The store says Dreves was a bad employee and went with someone more qualified, and gave him more money to attract him to Vermont.
And that money, $16,000 dollars, is what Dreves' lawyers say broke Vermont law.
Women's groups that pushed for Vermont's law say they're not surprised it took ten years for this legislation to be used in court.
"The years that it takes, the money that it takes," said Vermont Commission on Women Executive Director Cary Brown.
And no matter the outcome they say Tuesday's hearing is a victory for women.
"Hopefully it will give more people the courage to exercise their rights under the law," said Brown.
Dreves is asking Hudson News to pay her $250,000 dollars, to cover lost salary and attorney's fees.
Law experts say Judge Sessions's decision it will most likely come this summer.
