CALIFORNIA – Oracle America has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lengthy class-action lawsuit alleging wage discrimination in California. The complaint reports lower payments to 4,000 female employees compared to men performing the same job.
In a filing submitted in the San Mateo County Superior Court, plaintiffs’ attorneys urged Judge Raymond Swope to approve the settlement, arguing it was fair and reasonable. A hearing for preliminary approval was scheduled for April 8, 2024, allowing notification to potential class members to allow them to object before final approval.
In addition to the monetary payment, the settlement also provides for an independent expert to review Oracle’s practices and ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws. Oracle, which did not admit to any wrongdoing under the agreement, and its attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The 2017 lawsuit alleged that, since at least 2013, the California-based technology company had paid up to $13,000 more per year to men in technology, product development, and support positions for performing the same work as their female counterparts, violating California’s Equal Pay Act.
Swope certified a class-action lawsuit in May 2020.
Oracle faced a separate administrative case in 2017 by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, alleging it had underpaid women and minorities by $400 million over four years. The company prevailed in the administrative proceeding in 2020, and OFCCP did not appeal.
