Google has agreed to pay $28 million (£21.5 million) to settle a lawsuit alleging pay and career disparities between white and Asian employees and those from other ethnic backgrounds.
Key Details of the Settlement
- Filed by: Former Google employee Ana Cantu in 2021
- Allegations: Employees from Hispanic, Latino, Native American, and other backgrounds were placed in lower-paying roles than their white and Asian counterparts
- Settlement Approval: Judge Charles Adams of the Santa Clara County Superior Court granted preliminary approval
- Number of Affected Employees: At least 6,632 employees (hired between February 15, 2018, and December 31, 2024)
Claims and Evidence in the Case
The lawsuit was based on a leaked internal Google document suggesting that certain ethnic groups received lower compensation for similar work. According to Cantu’s lawyers:
- Job levels and salaries were determined based on prior pay history, reinforcing racial disparities.
- Pay inequities remained hidden until employees took collective action and leaked data.
Attorney Cathy Coble praised the employees who exposed the issue, stating that pay disparities often go unnoticed without transparency.
Google’s Response
Google denied any wrongdoing but confirmed it had reached a resolution. A spokesperson stated:
- The company disagrees with the claims but remains committed to fair pay, hiring, and job leveling.
- Despite settling, Google maintains that no employees were treated unfairly.
Broader Context: The Decline of DEI Commitments
Earlier this year, Google joined other major U.S. companies in scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Other firms reducing DEI commitments include:
- Meta, Amazon, Pepsi, McDonald’s, and Walmart
- The shift comes amid political opposition, with former U.S. President Donald Trump and his allies criticizing DEI policies.
Conclusion
While the $28 million settlement brings closure to this lawsuit, it raises ongoing concerns about workplace equity and transparency. The case underscores the importance of fair hiring and compensation practices in major tech firms.
