Google has been ordered to pay $1.1 million to Ulku Rowe, an executive who filed a complaint against the company for gender-based discrimination. A jury in the US ruled in favour of Rowe, who had alleged that Google paid less-experienced male executives more than her, despite them being hired for similar roles at the same time. She further claimed that Google denied her promotions in response to her complaints.
The New York jury's verdict includes compensation for both punitive damages and pain and suffering, as reported by Bloomberg Law. Attorney Cara Green of Outten & Golden, who represented Rowe, commented on the unanimous verdict. Green noted that it not only validates Rowe's claims of mistreatment by Google but also sends a powerful message that discrimination and retaliation will not be tolerated in the workplace. She also credited the efforts of thousands of Google employees who walked out in 2018 to demand reforms.
In 2018, around 20,000 Google employees staged a walkout to protest the company's handling of sexual harassment allegations and its broader workplace policies concerning equity and transparency. The protest followed a New York Times article that reported sexual misconduct allegations against senior executives, notably Android creator Andy Rubin, who denied the claims.
In the case of Ulku Rowe, the jury concluded that Google had engaged in gender-based discrimination. Rowe, who had 23 years of experience when she joined Google in 2017, accused the company of paying male counterparts with less experience than she received for her role. She also alleged that she was denied promotions in response to her complaints.
The jury's decision represents a significant development in the ongoing debate over gender discrimination in the tech industry, particularly within major companies like Google. It underscores the importance of addressing gender pay disparities and ensuring that workplaces are equitable and free from retaliation against those who raise concerns about discrimination.
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This case serves as a reminder that gender-based discrimination continues to be a concern in various industries, prompting companies to take steps to foster more inclusive and equitable workplaces. The legal outcomes of cases like Rowe's can encourage companies to address these issues more proactively and create a culture where employees are treated fairly, regardless of their gender.
It remains to be seen how this ruling will impact Google's policies and practices concerning gender pay equity and the treatment of employees who report discrimination or harassment. Such cases often lead to increased scrutiny and potential changes in corporate culture and behaviour to prevent future instances of discrimination.
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In summary, the jury's decision in favour of Ulku Rowe highlights ongoing concerns about gender-based discrimination within major tech companies and reinforces the importance of addressing these issues through legal channels to promote workplace equity and fairness.
Inputs from IANS
