Google announced it will no longer force employees into arbitration over any form of harassment, discrimination or wrongful termination claims.
Google made the announcement Thursday, and the change will go into effect March 21. Forced arbitration mandates that an employee dispute claims within the company instead of filing a lawsuit. Advocacy groups claim the method benefits the company, not the worker, and is a way to keep misconduct accusations out of the public eye.
The policy change comes after 20,000 Google employees staged a worldwide walkout in November to protest the company's handling of sexual harassment, discrimination and racism claims.
Google responded by ending mandatory arbitration in some cases. But groups like End Forced Arbitration say that wasn't enough because the change only ended the practice for sexual harassment or assault and didn't protect temporary employees, vendors or contractors working for Google.
The walkout came after The New York Times published an article alleging Google covered up accusations of sexual misconduct against company execs — specifically claims made against Android software creator Andy Rubin. The Times alleged Google gave Rubin a $90 million exit package after sexual harassment claims against him were found to be credible.
End Forced Arbitration says it commends Google for the policy change but will keep fighting to end forced arbitration for every employee in America. Six members plan to meet with lawmakers before multiple bills to end the practice are announced Feb. 28.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
