Google has actually consented to pay $118 million to settle a suit accusing them of “systematically paying” female workers less than men for doing similar work.
Per the conditions of the settlement, a 3rd party will likewise analyze Google’s existing pay practices.
The lawsuit was levied by a former team member in 2017. In addition to stating pay variations, the former employee likewise stated that females were kept in positions with fewer chances to advance than their male equivalents with similar experiences.
About 15,500 female workers in 236 different positions with the business are represented in the lawsuit.
“As a woman who’s spent her entire career in the tech industry, I’m optimistic that the actions Google has agreed to take as part of this settlement will ensure more equity for women,” said Plaintiff Holly Pease in a statement about the case. “Google, since its founding, has led the tech industry. They also have an opportunity to lead the charge to ensure inclusion and equity for women in tech.”
The plaintiffs’ co-counsel Kelly Dermody said in a statement, “Plaintiffs believe this settlement advances gender equity at Google and will be precedent-setting for the industry.”
“Google has long been a technology leader. We are delighted that in this Settlement Agreement and Order Google is also affirming its commitment to be a leader in ensuring pay equity and equal employment opportunity for all of their employees,” added Plaintiffs’ co-counsel Jim Finberg.
For their part, Google said that they are “very pleased to reach this agreement” and that they now make “upward changes” if a disparity is discovered.
“While we strongly believe in the equity of our policies and practices, after nearly five years of litigation, both sides agreed that resolution of the matter, without any admission or findings, was in the best interest of everyone, and we’re very pleased to reach this agreement,” Google said in the statement obtained by The Verge. The company added that it’s “absolutely committed to paying, hiring and leveling all employees fairly and equally,” and that it makes “upward adjustments” if they find a disparity.
A San Francisco Superior Court judge will have to authorize the settlement to complete it. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 21.
The Verge report noted that, “Google’s treatment of workers has been the target of scrutiny more than once. Last year, Google agreed to pay $2.5 million to settle a lawsuit that claimed the company underpaid female engineers and overlooked Asian job applicants. California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is also investigating the company over complaints of potential harassment and discrimination against Black female employees.”
H/T Timcast
