Google will settle a class-action gender discrimination lawsuit that includes 15,500 women by paying $118 million.
In 2017, a lawsuit was filed against the tech giant by three women who claimed that the company was underpaying female workers.
Along with the wage gap discrepancy, the lawsuit stated that Google purposefully keeps female employees at lower-level positions, giving them less opportunities for growth.
As part of the settlement, Google will also be required to bring in an independent economist analyst to study the company’s hiring policies and pay equity. However, the terms will be contingent upon judge approval, which will occur later this month during a hearing.
“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 Holly Pease, a plaintiff in 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.”
