Google to pay $1.15 mln to Turk in gender discrimination case

NEW YORK

A Turkish-origin executive employed by Google has won a lawsuit against her company, claiming that the tech giant implemented a sexist policy in salary raises and promotions, as Google will pay her a substantial $1.15 million in compensation.

Ülkü Rowe, who began working at Google in 2017, accused the company of offering her a lower salary than her male counterparts in similar positions, as well as hiring less experienced and less qualified male candidates for higher positions. She also alleged that her opportunities for promotion were hindered as she voiced concerns about the company's gender-discriminatory policies.

The case, which was heard in the New York District Court over the past week, initially saw Google denying these allegations. However, following a deliberation by an eight-member jury on Oct. 20, Google was found liable and ordered to pay compensation.

The jury determined that Google did not violate its salary policies but was engaged in gender-biased practices concerning promotions.

Consequently, Google was mandated to pay a total of $1.15 million in punitive damages, compensating for the distress and suffering experienced by Rowe.

Cara Green, Ülkü Rowe's attorney, made a statement after the trial, remarking, "The jury's decision not only corroborated Rowe's claims of mistreatment at Google but also sent a clear message that discrimination and retaliation will not be tolerated in the workplace."