Google will be required to compensate an executive with more than $1 million after facing allegations of gender discrimination and retaliation from the company.
(Photo : Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: A sign is posted in front of an office at Google headquarters on February 02, 2023 in Mountain View, California.
Paying Out Gender Discrimination Case
Ulku Rowe, a Google Cloud engineering director, will receive a compensation of more than $1 million after accusing Google of gender discrimination and facing retaliation for speaking out. Engadget reported that she alleged that Google hired her at a lower pay grade compared to less experienced men in similar roles.
Additionally, Rowe claimed she was denied a promotion in favor of a less qualified male colleague. Following a recent New York jury verdict, Google was found guilty of engaging in gender-based discrimination. As a result, the company is obligated to pay Rowe a total of $1.15 million, covering punitive damages and compensation for the distress she experienced.
However, the jury did not conclude that Google violated New York's equal pay law. Rowe, who joined Google in 2017 with 23 years of experience, argued that she was offered a significantly lower salary than her male counterparts. This case highlights issues of gender bias and workplace inequality in the tech industry.
Powerful Message Against Workplace Discrimination, Retaliation
Bloomberg reported that this significant decision, seen as a validation of Rowe's allegations, sends a powerful message against workplace discrimination and retaliation.
The lead attorney representing Rowe, Atty. Cara Greene underscored the significance of the jury's decision, emphasizing that it not only affirms Rowe's claims of mistreatment but also serves as a clear statement that discrimination and retaliation are unacceptable in the workplace.
This landmark verdict comes almost five years after around 20,000 Google employees organized a highly visible walkout to demand changes in how the company handles issues related to sexual misconduct and discrimination.
Also Read: Google Chrome Incognito Privacy Lawsuit: Plaintiffs Lose Appeal to Pursue Money Damages
While Google had made commitments to address concerns related to sexual harassment following the 2018 walkout, it still faced challenges in addressing bias-related issues. The Rowe lawsuit represents the first of its kind that Google has encountered since the protests in 2018.
Attorney Greene described the jury's decision as "historic" and credited it to the collective efforts of Google employees who staged the walkout in 2018, laying the foundation for such a significant legal ruling. This verdict marks a crucial moment in Google's history and signifies the broader societal and legal movement toward workplace equality and accountability.
Google's Response
Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini reiterated the company's dedication to fairness and equity in its leveling and compensation practices. Mencini pointed out that the jury's determination that Google didn't breach New York law aligns with their commitment to fairness.
However, Mencini disagreed with the jury's conclusions that Google had discriminated against Ulku Rowe based on her gender and had retaliated against her for raising concerns about her pay, job level, and gender.
In response, Mencini highlighted Google's firm stance against workplace retaliation, their policy of taking employee concerns seriously, and their comprehensive internal investigation, which found no evidence of discrimination or retaliation when Rowe initially raised her issues.
Related Article: Google Faces Class-Action Lawsuit on 'Pay Discrimination' Issue That Sees Gender Inequality and Bias
