Two female employees of Apple Inc. have filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging that they were paid less than their male counterparts for similar work. They claim that Apple determined starting salaries based on compensation history until 2018, perpetuating historic pay disparities between men and women. When California outlawed this practice, Apple started asking for salary expectations, further entrenching the disparity. The employees argue that this policy has had a disparate impact on women and that Apple’s failure to pay women and men equal wages for similar work is not justified under the law.
In addition to the salary disparities, the employees, Justina Jong and Amina Salgado, claim that men at Apple routinely receive higher scores on teamwork and leadership in performance reviews, resulting in lower bonuses and pay for women. Jong discovered she was being paid $10,000 less than a male colleague after seeing his W-2 form on the office printer. The lawsuit was filed in California state court, but Apple has not yet responded to the allegations.
Similar lawsuits claiming pay discrimination against women in the tech industry have resulted in substantial settlements, although the payouts can sometimes be minimal on a per-person basis. The lawyers representing Jong and Salgado have previously brought similar claims against companies like Oracle Corp. and Google, resulting in average per-person payouts of $3,750 and $5,500, respectively, after legal costs. This highlights the prevalence of pay disparities in the tech industry and the challenges women face in addressing them.
The lawsuit against Apple is seeking to represent thousands of other women who may have faced similar pay discrimination at the company. The case sheds light on the ongoing issue of gender pay gaps in the tech industry and the need for companies to address and rectify these disparities. By bringing attention to these practices and seeking legal recourse, the employees are advocating for fair and equal pay for women in the workplace.
Overall, the lawsuit filed by Jong and Salgado against Apple underscores the systemic nature of pay disparities between men and women in the tech industry. By challenging Apple’s policies and practices, the employees are taking a stand against gender-based discrimination and advocating for gender equity in the workplace. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing pay disparities and ensuring equal opportunities and compensation for all employees, regardless of gender.
