Workday faces lawsuits over AI-powered discriminatory hiring
Workday faces a class action lawsuit alleging that its AI-powered job screening technology discriminates against applicants over age 40 and on the basis of race and disability. The lead plaintiff claims he was rejected from over 100 job postings on the platform over seven years, with several other applicants over 40 joining the case.
What happened
Derek Mobley initiated a lawsuit against Workday in 2023, claiming the company's algorithms and AI tools systematically rejected older job applicants. He claims Workday's software caused him to be rejected from more than 100 jobs on the platform over seven years due to his age, race and disabilities.
Four additional plaintiffs, all over age 40, have joined the lawsuit with age discrimination allegations. Together, the group claims they submitted hundreds of job applications through Workday and were rejected each time, sometimes within minutes or hours.
Reported impact
The plaintiffs allege they were systematically rejected from job opportunities through Workday's hiring platform based on age, race and disabilities.
Index analysis
The case raises concerns about the use of automated hiring systems and could potentially set a precedent for how companies use certain types of AI in recruitment.
Governance controls
Workday has denied the allegations, stating in a statement to multiple outlets that it continues to believe the case is without merit.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.