Apple is facing a class action lawsuit alleging a significant pay gap between its male and female employees in California. 

The lawsuit represents around 12,000 women employees of Apple who are reported to be paid less than their male counterparts in similar roles in engineering, marketing and AppleCare. 

The complaint, filed by law firm Altschuler Berzon LLP, stated that Apple was placing its female workers at an immediate disadvantage by using salary expectations to set starting salary. 

By asking for prior pay to set starting salary, Apple is accused of perpetuating past pay gaps and not taking action to mediate this disparity. 

This practice also goes against Californian regulations that ban questions regarding a job candidate’s salary history in an attempt to close gender and race wage gaps. This regulation was passed in 2017. 

Eve Cervantez, a lawyer representing the case, said the use of salary expectations was a “no win situation” for Apple’s female employees. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Apple has responded to the case stating that it was committed to equal pay. 

“Since 2017, Apple has achieved and maintained gender pay equity and every year we partner with an independent third-party expert to examine each team member’s total compensation and make adjustments, where necessary, to ensure that we maintain pay equity,” its statement read.