Google is reportedly setting aside up to $520 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the tech giant of mishandling sexual harassment claims within the company..
The lawsuit, filed in 2018, alleged that Google’s policies and practices allowed sexual misconduct to flourish, and that the company retaliated against employees who reported harassment..
Under the proposed settlement, which requires court approval, Google would create a $380 million compensation fund for current and former Google employees who were harassed between 2013 and 2014..
The settlement would also require Google to spend $140 million on harassment prevention and awareness programs, including training for employees and managers, and to retain an independent consultant to monitor the company’s progress on preventing harassment..
The settlement, which was first reported by the New York Times, is the latest in a series of legal and public relations challenges for Google over its handling of sexual harassment..
In 2018, Google fired Andy Rubin, the creator of the Android operating system, after an investigation found that he had engaged in inappropriate workplace behavior..
In 2019, Google was fined $2.2 million by the US Department of Labor for mishandling sexual harassment claims..
And earlier this year, Google was slapped with a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company systematically underpaid women..
The proposed settlement with the victims of workplace harassment is a sign that Google is taking the issue more seriously..
However, it is important to note that the settlement is still subject to court approval, and it is possible that the terms could change before it is finalized..
In the meantime, Google continues to face pressure to improve its handling of sexual harassment..
A group of Google employees has launched a campaign called .
