A jury ruled that Google must pay $1.1 million to a former executive who sued the tech giant for gender discrimination and retaliation.
The resounding verdict underscores ongoing concerns about equity in Silicon Valley’s male-dominated tech culture.
Executive alleges pay inequality and denial of promotions
Ulku Rowe, a veteran tech leader who joined Google’s cloud division in 2017, accused the company of paying him less than male colleagues hired at the same time in similar roles. Despite having more than 20 years of experience, he claimed that Google offered higher compensation packages to less qualified men.
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Rowe also alleged that after she complained internally about the pay disparity, Google denied her promotions in retaliation. She said Google passed her over for an executive promotion that went to a poorly qualified man who hadn’t even applied to her.
Unanimous jury finds that Google was discriminated against and suffered retaliation
After a 12-day trial, the New York jury unanimously concluded that Google discriminated against Rowe because of her gender. They also found that the company unlawfully retaliated when she complained of unequal treatment.
Specifically, the jury ruled that Google subjected Rowe to damages, including financial and emotional distress. But they found insufficient evidence that Google violated pay equity laws, despite the pay gaps.
The $1.1 million verdict includes damages for both retaliation and pain and suffering.
Google challenges ruling and says it prohibits retaliation
Google spokeswoman Courtenay Mencini challenged the verdict in a statement. She said Google prohibits retaliation and said the company thoroughly investigates all employee complaints.
“We do not agree with the jury’s conclusion that Ms. Rowe was discriminated against or retaliated against,” Mencini said. He added that Google was “pleased” the jury found no pay discrimination.
The verdict increases pressure on tech companies to reform cultures
Rowe’s attorney, Cara Greene, said the ruling validates Rowe’s allegations of mistreatment. She said she sends a powerful message that discrimination and retaliation will not be tolerated, even at major technology companies.
The case highlights current concerns about the subtle gender bias and discrimination that prevails in sexist tech workplaces, despite growing diversity efforts. It also comes after mass walkouts by Google employees in 2018 over the company’s handling of sexual harassment allegations.
While the $1.1 million in damages is minor for a giant like Google, the verdict increases public pressure on technology companies to enact meaningful reforms. It exposed contradictions between Google’s public rhetoric on diversity and its internal realities.
Part of increased scrutiny of the tech industry
Rowe’s verdict adds to growing legal and public scrutiny of systemic discrimination and toxic cultures in technology. Tech giants like Google face growing calls to go beyond superficial commitments to equality and foster truly inclusive work environments.
The tech industry remains dominated by men, especially in high-paying technical and leadership positions. But recent lawsuits and activism have helped expose cases of bias and harassment.
While Silicon Valley has slowly improved levels of diversity, cases like Rowe’s suggest that substantial progress is still needed to address deep-rooted equity issues. The verdict is likely to encourage tech workers to continue speaking out against illegal discrimination and retaliation.
Ultimately, the unanimous ruling in Rowe’s case shows persistent problems with gender equity in tech roles and salaries. As public awareness and legal consequences grow, tech giants will face increasing pressure to implement meaningful reforms that address systemic discrimination.
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Categories: Technology
Source: vtt.edu.vn