Microsoft will pay women and disabled workers $14 million to settle discrimination claims

Microsoft reached a $14.4 million settlement with California’s Civil Rights Department to resolve claims that it discriminated and retaliated against women and disabled workers when they took protective leave. The department said that, during its multi-year investigation, it found that Microsoft gave lower bonuses and unfavorable performance reviews to workers who used protected leave, reducing their chances of getting promotions and stock awards. Protected leave gives workers rights to time off for pregnancy, disability, family care, and parental reasons without being retaliated against. Microsoft did not respond to Quartz’s request...