Some people like to think that gender discrimination is a relic of the ancient past. However you don’t have to look too hard or too far to find strong evidence to the contrary.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) recently accused one of the largest companies in the world – Google – of “systematic compensation disparities” when it comes to female employees at all levels of the company. In simple terms, Google has been accused of paying women far less than men.
Such blatant inequality in terms of salaries is a clear violation of federal employment laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex or gender.
Extreme Discrimination Or An Unfounded Myth?
According to an article in The Guardian, the DoL’s investigation is still underway, but the evidence is piling up fast. One of the regional lawyers for the DoL stated that the department has uncovered compelling facts that show evidence of discrimination on a scale that is “quite extreme,” even for an industry that has been historically dominated by men. Another DoL attorney remarked that Google seemed determined to hide pay-related information.
Google’s representatives, on the other hand, deny the allegations. They claim that the company has worked hard and successfully to close the pay gap between employees of different genders and races across the country.
According to one of Google’s lawyers, the DoL’s request for detailed information about salaries is a violation of the company’s constitutional right to be protected from unreasonable searches.
What You Need To Know In Your Own Workplace
Even if you don’t work for Google or another tech company in California, you should be aware of your rights.
Both federal and state laws prohibit your employer from paying you less simply because of your gender. Likewise, it is illegal for your employer to pass you over for promotions, fail to provide Family and Medical Leave Act benefits, fire you because you are pregnant or discriminate against women in other ways.
If you have questions about your rights – or you believe you have already been a victim of workplace discrimination – don’t hesitate to consult an attorney skilled in such employment law cases.