Shareholders also seem likely to start showing more interest in the company's pay practices.

It said the company should be given credit for making significant changes to its pay practices.

The cases focused on a pay practice known as "variable rate overtime".

Given Apple's mounting losses, its executive pay practices have come under scrutiny.

Most of the companies defended their pay practices, saying the chief executive is responsible for key strategic decisions that have a long-term impact.

A Goldman spokesman said that the firm would not discuss details of its pay practices.

Federal prosecutors and regulators are investigating its pay practices, according to recent securities filings.

If the proposal passes, it will give the company's investors the right to an advisory vote on executive pay practices at Verizon.

Some specialists say that criticism of pay practices is unwarranted.

This test could lead to examinations of other companies' pay practices.