Google has agreed to a $28 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging that it favored white and Asian employees by offering them higher salaries and career advancements over other workers.
The settlement, which covers at least 6,632 Google employees in California from February 15, 2018, to December 31, 2024, received preliminary approval from a California court last week.
Lead plaintiff Ana Cantu, who identifies as Mexican and racially Indigenous, accused Google of placing white and Asian employees in higher job levels despite performing similar work. She also claimed that raises and promotions were withheld from those who raised concerns. The lawsuit argued that Google’s practices violated the California Equal Pay Act.
A Google spokesperson confirmed the settlement but denied wrongdoing, stating that the company remains committed to fair hiring and compensation. After legal fees and penalties, approximately $20.4 million will be distributed among affected employees. A final hearing on the settlement is scheduled for September.
