Google fails to block class-action suit about ageist hiring practices
The case is spearheaded by a female engineer, of 47, who says she was never offered employment due to her age; the median age of Google employees is 29
San Francisco — Google failed to block a class-action lawsuit by rejected job applicants who accuse the search engine giant of systematically favouring younger candidates. US district judge Beth Labson Freeman in California, issued a ruling on Wednesday throwing out the internet search giant’s request to deny group status to as many as 265 people 40 years and older who sought to join the case. The judge said her decision will remain sealed for now because it contains "highly confidential and business-sensitive information", while directing both sides to advise her what language should be redacted so that the ruling can be made public. The case is spearheaded by a woman engineer who was interviewed by Google four times from 2007 to 2014, starting when she was 47. She claims that because of her age, she was never offered employment despite having "highly pertinent qualifications and programming experience". Cheryl Fillekes alleged that Google’s hiring process — even if it appeared neu...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.