google-settles-28m-bias-lawsuit-over-pay-promotions

Google has agreed to pay $28 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging that the company systematically paid white and Asian employees more while placing them on higher career tracks than workers from other racial backgrounds.

 

The lawsuit was led by Ana Cantu, a Mexican of indigenous descent, on behalf of minority groups, including Hispanic, Latino, and Native American employees at Google.

 

It claimed that the technology giant engaged in discriminatory practices that disproportionately disadvantaged these workers in terms of pay and career progression.

 

The settlement was approved last week by Judge Charles Adams of the Santa Clara County Superior Court in California. He ruled that the agreement was "fair and reasonable" and described it as "a good result for the class" of 6,632 Google employees in California who were affected between 15 February 2018 and 31 December 2024.

 

Despite agreeing to the settlement, Google denied the allegations of racial discrimination. A company spokesperson stated, "We continue to disagree with the allegations that we treated anyone differently, and remain committed to paying, hiring, and levelling all employees fairly."

 

Cantu, who worked at Google for seven years, alleged that despite her strong performance, she remained in the same position while white and Asian colleagues were promoted and received higher salaries.

 

She also claimed that employees from these racial groups were routinely placed in higher job "levels" for performing the same work as minority employees. Additionally, she alleged that those who raised concerns about discrimination faced retaliation, including being denied promotions and pay increases.

 

Frustrated with the alleged unfair treatment, Cantu resigned from her role in September 2021, arguing that Google's actions violated the California Equal Pay Act.

 

After deducting legal fees, penalties, and other associated costs, the final settlement amount available to affected employees is expected to be around $20.4 million.

 

Legal representatives have stated that the settlement aims to compensate employees who were unfairly placed on lower salary scales due to their racial background.