Glass Half-Broken

 

SETTLING FOR EQUALITY

Qualcomm

In 2015, seven women employed in technical and engineering jobs at Qualcomm sued the San Diego–based chipmaker on behalf of its female employees, claiming that the company’s pay and promotion practices systematically discriminated against women. The women made a formal complaint with the EEOC and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, but before the suit was brought to court, Qualcomm agreed to pay $19.5 million and institute a series of measures aimed at rectifying the discriminatory practices brought to light by the action. Although the company claimed to have “strong defenses” to the allegations of unequal treatment, it agreed to overhaul its approach to employee development, compensation, ...