Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content
Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search
Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Google Settles Age Discrimination Lawsuit

Will pay $11 million to more than 200 applicants 40 and older

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA - MAY 4:  Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California is shown in this photo on May 4, 2004.  Google Inc., the world's No. 1 Web search provider, filed with U.S. regulators on April 29, 2004 to become a publicly listed company and sell as much as $2.7 billion in stock in a widely expected initial public offering.  (Photo by David Paul Morris/Getty Images)
David Paul Morris/Getty Images

To end a class-action lawsuit, Google will pay $11 million to more than 200 plaintiffs age 40 and older who sued the internet giant, claiming that it discriminated in its employment practices based on age.

member card

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.

Join Now

As first reported by Bloomberg, in addition to the payout, Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., has agreed to train its managers about age-related bias and to launch a committee that will focus on bringing age diversity to its workplace.

The payouts amount to about $35,000 for each plaintiff.

The initial case against Google was brought by Cheryl Fillekes, who said she was interviewed four times in seven years, according to Bloomberg, but was never offered a job despite “highly pertinent qualifications and programming experience.” Fillekes alleged that Google engaged in a “systematic pattern and practice of discriminating."

Flowers & Gifts

Proflowers

25% off sitewide and 30% off select items

See more Flowers & Gifts offers >

Google denied the allegations, Bloomberg reported. In the case of Fillekes and others, Google said, the applicants failed to show the required technical aptitude for the positions. The company has said that it has robust policies against age discrimination.

membership-card-w-shadow-192x134

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.