Google has agreed to a $28 million settlement in a lawsuit alleging unfair pay and career opportunities based on race. The case, filed by former employee Ana Cantu in 2021, claimed that Hispanic, Latino, Native American, and other minority workers were paid less and placed in lower job levels compared to their white and Asian colleagues.
A leaked internal report reportedly revealed pay disparities, leading to the class-action lawsuit representing over 6,600 employees who worked at Google between 2018 and 2024. The lawsuit argued that the company’s hiring and salary policies reinforced historical inequalities.
Despite agreeing to the settlement, Google denied any wrongdoing, stating that it remains committed to fair pay and equal opportunities for all employees. The lawsuit highlighted how employees coming together played a crucial role in exposing potential pay gaps.
Recently, many major US companies, including Meta, Amazon, and Walmart, have rolled back diversity and inclusion programs. This shift follows political pressure, with US leaders pushing to eliminate diversity policies in hiring practices.
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