by Tech giant Apple has agreed to pay up to $25 million in a settlement with the Department of Justice over claims of hiring discrimination. The settlement calls for $18.25 million to be allocated to a backpay fund for affected victims, while the remaining $6.75 million will go towards civil penalties.
The Department of Justice found that Apple violated the Immigration and Nationality Act when using the permanent labor certification program (PERM) to recruit foreign workers for permanent positions in the US. The DOJ discovered that Apple failed to advertise these job openings on its website, despite its standard practice of posting other job positions on the site.
Furthermore, the DOJ found that Apple only accepted PERM position applications through traditional mail and did not consider applications from existing employees who submitted them electronically. These ineffective recruitment measures resulted in very few or no applications for PERM positions from individuals whose work authorization does not expire. However, Apple denies any illegal hiring practices as part of the settlement. Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz stated, “When we realized we had unintentionally not been following the DOJ standard, we agreed to a settlement addressing their concerns. We have implemented a robust remediation plan to comply with the requirements of various government agencies as we continue to hire American workers and grow in the US.”
In addition to the monetary penalty, the settlement requires Apple to conduct more comprehensive recruitment efforts for all PERM positions. This involves posting these positions on the company’s job website and accepting applications digitally. Apple has already taken steps to address some of these issues, according to the DOJ.
Aside from Apple, the Department of Justice has also filed a hiring discrimination lawsuit against SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk. The lawsuit alleges that SpaceX unlawfully refused to hire asylum seekers and refugees. However, SpaceX managed to block the case by arguing that the administrative judges overseeing the lawsuit were unconstitutionally appointed.
This settlement highlights the importance of fair and inclusive hiring practices in the tech industry. Discrimination in hiring not only undermines the principles of equality and diversity but also limits the talent pool and prevents qualified individuals from accessing job opportunities. As technology companies continue to play a significant role in shaping the future, it is crucial for them to prioritize fair and equitable hiring processes to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Apple’s settlement serves as a reminder for companies to review their hiring practices and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations. Taking proactive steps towards inclusivity and diversity can not only prevent legal issues but also contribute to a more innovative and successful organization. By creating a culture of equal opportunity, companies can attract a wide range of talent and perspectives, leading to enhanced creativity, problem-solving, and overall business performance.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
