After proudly unveiling iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, Apple is now facing a proposed class action lawsuit.
Allegations have been made in a lawsuit against Apple’s two long-term employees in San Francisco claiming that over 12,000 women employees in California are being paid less compared to their male counterparts in technical,
Marketing, and AppleCare divisions.
It is alleged in the lawsuit that Apple determines initial salaries based on previous pay or salary expectations, resulting in lower pay for women. Furthermore, it is alleged in the lawsuit that Apple’s performance evaluation method, used for promotions and bonuses, unfairly discriminates against women.
Despite Apple’s headquarters being located in Cupertino, California, and their commitment to inclusion and pay equity since 2017, attorney Eve Sarvantes argues that Apple’s practices worsen gender pay gaps and disadvantage female employees.
The plaintiffs, represented by law firms Outten & Golden, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, and Altshuler Berzon, argue that Apple’s reliance on applicants’ salary expectations instead of their previous salary history perpetuates wage discrimination.
However, they also allege that Apple categorizes male employees as “talented” and pays them higher salaries, causing harm.
It is alleged in the lawsuit that Apple has violated California’s Equal Pay Act, which prohibits gender-based wage discrimination and unequal treatment and harassment based on gender in the workplace.
Plaintiff Justina Jong alleges that Apple retaliated by demoting her team following allegations of sexual harassment by her colleagues.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and penalties. California law prohibits employers from inquiring about applicants’ salary history to address gender and race-based wage disparities. Nevertheless, the lawsuit argues that Apple’s consideration of salary expectations perpetuates the same wage disparities.
