Apple slapped with class action suit for underpaying women, favouring men for promotions

Apple, a champion for its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, is now under scrutiny for allegedly underpaying women compared to men. A new class action lawsuit filed in California accuses the tech giant of systematic gender pay disparities despite its public commitment to equality.

According to a report from Reuters, two long-time Apple employees have initiated the lawsuit, claiming that Apple systematically underpays women in its engineering, marketing, and AppleCare divisions. The lawsuit highlights several key issues:

1. Starting Pay Disparities: The lawsuit alleges that Apple bases workers’ starting salaries on their previous job earnings or their pay expectations. California law, effective since 2018, prohibits employers from inquiring about an applicant’s salary history to prevent perpetuating pay gaps.

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2. Promotion and Reward Biases: Apple is accused of favouring men when granting raises and bonuses, exacerbating the gender pay gap over time. This alleged bias means that women, already starting at a lower pay, continue to lag further behind their male counterparts as their careers progress.

3. Sexual Harassment and Retaliation: One plaintiff, Justina Jong, claims she experienced sexual harassment and that Apple refused her request to be transferred away from the offender. This aspect of the lawsuit points to broader issues of workplace safety and retaliation.

Legal Representation and Goals
The plaintiffs are represented by the law firms Outten & Golden, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, and Altshuler Berzon. These firms have a track record of securing settlements in gender discrimination cases involving prominent companies like Goldman Sachs and Sterling Jewelers.

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The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and penalties, aiming to address the alleged systemic issues within Apple’s employment practices.

Apple has long touted its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company has maintained a dedicated webpage showcasing its DEI data since 2014, though the page has not been updated since 2022. Apple’s public statements emphasize its efforts to create an equitable workplace, making the allegations in the lawsuit particularly significant.

Broader Implications
This lawsuit could have wide-reaching implications for Apple and other tech companies. It underscores ongoing concerns about gender pay disparities and workplace discrimination in the tech industry. If successful, the lawsuit could lead to substantial changes in how Apple and similar companies address pay equity and employee treatment.