Following a lawsuit from a former Pinterest COO who alleged workplace discrimination and wrongful termination, Pinterest employees are planning to stage a digital walkout. The employees aim to call attention to the racial and gender-based discrimination that women have faced in the Pinterest workplace. According to the former COO, the company is mainly led by men who silence and marginalize female executives.
Pinterest has denied the claim and hired their own legal counsel. However, representatives said in a statement that they are reviewing the complaint and want all Pinterest employees to feel safe and included in the workplace. If the former COO’s lawsuit is successful, Pinterest might be charged with breaking employment law.
Employees plan to hold a virtual workout by sharing messages about the protest. They also invite fellow employees to sign a petition that demands an end to Pinterest’s alleged workplace discrimination. Multiple female employees have come forward with allegations of racism and sexism by company executives.
How to proceed if an employer breaks the law
An employment law violation covers a wide range of offenses, including wrongful termination, sexual harassment, withholding wages, retaliation against employees who file complaints and more. Discriminating against an employee on the basis of sex, race, age, religion or another protected factor is also illegal under employment law.
If an employee suspects that they’ve been a victim of workplace discrimination, they might wish to speak with an attorney. An attorney may help them evaluate the situation and figure out if a lawsuit is viable. If so, the attorney might help them present the case in court so that they can receive a fair compensation from their former employer. Instances of discrimination might include unfair wages, wrongful termination, denied promotions and more.
