Apple Faces Class Action Lawsuit for Alleged Gender Pay Disparities

Apple, a company known for its commitment to diversity and equality, is facing a class action lawsuit in California. The lawsuit alleges that Apple has systematically underpaid 12,000 women in various divisions, including engineering, marketing, and AppleCare, compared to their male counterparts. This legal action, filed by two longtime female employees, highlights claims that Apple bases starting salaries on previous job pay or salary expectations, a practice that perpetuates gender pay gaps.

California law since 2018 prohibits employers from inquiring about applicants’ salary histories, aiming to prevent pay inequities from past jobs from influencing new salaries. The lawsuit also accuses Apple of favoring men in rewarding talent with raises and bonuses, further widening the pay gap as careers progress. One of the plaintiffs, Justina Jong, has also raised a complaint about sexual harassment and the company’s failure to address her concerns adequately.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and penalties and is being handled by law firms Outten & Golden, Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, and Altshuler Berzon, all of which have a history of successful settlements with major corporations.