News In Brief

Sears setting aside $5 million to settle Allstate rights suit

Sears, Roebuck & Co. said Monday its Allstate Insurance subsidiary had agreed to establish a $5 million fund as settlement of a 1975 civil rights lawsuit on behalf of about 3,100 female sales agents and trainees.

The lawsuit was originally filed by Lola Kouba, a former Allstate sales agent , who charged the company violated the 1964 Civil Rights Act because her guaranteed starting salary was less than that of male agents.