Many people in New York use Pinterest as a way to share photographs, recipes and stories with friends. While the social media platform is very popular, recent reports of a workplace culture in which racial bias and gender bias are rampant have led employees to call for change.
Workplace bias at Pinterest
Three women have provided some insight into the culture at Pinterest. The female former chief operating officer of the company filed a wrongful termination and gender discrimination complaint against the company, alleging that female executives were ignored and marginalized and that she was retaliated against for complaining. Two other former employees, who are Black women, have also spoken out about the racial discrimination that they faced while working for Pinterest. These stories have led other employees to speak out against bias.
Planned virtual walkout
Pinterest employees called for a virtual walkout of the company on Aug. 14. They also circulated a petition asking for other workers to call for an end to race and gender discrimination at Pinterest. The company stated that it is investigating the claims and disputed that any race discrimination had occurred. It states that it strives to have a workplace that includes all workers.
While discrimination against workers because of their protected characteristics has been illegal for decades, it continues to occur. People who are the victims of unlawful discrimination at their jobs based on their protected characteristics might avail themselves of the protections and remedies that they have under state or federal anti-discrimination laws. Experienced employment law attorneys may review the circumstances and provide honest assessments of the merits of potential claims. If they agree to accept a case, the lawyers may help their clients to file discrimination charges with the relevant state or federal agency.