Microsoft discriminated and would pay Rs 117 crore to employees

Microsoft Corp has agreed to pay $14.4 million (Rs 117 crore) to resolve a discrimination dispute involving employees on leave. The California Department of Civil Rights (CRD) confirmed this on Wednesday.

The California government began examining the situation in 2020. Following the Santa Clara County court decision, Microsoft agreed to pay. To prevent additional discrimination, an independent agency will monitor the situation. In fact, the company paid fewer bonuses to employees who took time off for pregnancy, disability, illness, caring for a family member, and other reasons. Furthermore, they were portrayed as substandard during their review. As a result, many employees did not receive raises or promotions.

According to the court's decision, the payment will be made to the employees working in the company since May 13, 2017. Each eligible employee will receive a basic payment of $1,500 (Rs 1.25 lakh). Apart from this, more amount will be given based on factors like salary and duration of employment. According to the state civil rights agency, Microsoft has about 221,000 employees worldwide. About 7,000 of these are in California.