Google has agreed to pay $28 million to settle a lawsuit that claimed the company paid white and Asian employees more than other workers and gave them better career opportunities.The lawsuit was filed by Ana Cantu, a Mexican of Indigenous descent, on behalf of minority communities like Hispanic, Latino, and Native American employees at Google.
A judge in California, Charles Adams, approved the settlement last week. He said the agreement was fair and a good outcome for the 6,632 Google employees in California affected between February 15, 2018, and December 31, 2024.
Despite agreeing to the settlement, Google denied any wrongdoing. A company spokesperson said, “We continue to disagree with the allegations and remain committed to fair pay, hiring, and promotions for all employees.”
Ana Cantu, who worked at Google for seven years, claimed she was never promoted despite her excellent performance. Meanwhile, white and Asian employees received higher pay and better job positions for the same work.
She also alleged that employees who raised concerns about unfair treatment were denied promotions and raises. Cantu resigned in September 2021, stating that Google’s actions violated the California Equal Pay Act.
After deducting $7 million for legal fees and other costs, $20.4 million from the settlement will be distributed among affected employees.
Judge Charles Adams has scheduled a hearing in September to give final approval to the settlement. Cantu’s lawyers have not yet responded to requests for comment.
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