|
The
Silenced No More Act had been co-sponsored by Ifeoma Ozoma, who
quit Pinterest Inc last year after voicing concerns about gender
and racial discrimination, and also drew backing from
organizations including TechEquity Collaborative that advocate
for workers in tech and other industries.
Supporters say the law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, will
enable workers to speak out about experiences of harassment and
discrimination without fear that companies could tear up
severance packages. They say allowing more people to publicly
address workplace treatment could help curb systemic racism and
other problems ailing many companies.
The new law says settlement agreements cannot prevent or
restrict workers from disclosing facts related to harassment and
discrimination claims they have filed against the company. It
also bars settlements from including non-disparagement clauses
that stop people from talking about unlawful acts in the
workplace.
As part of efforts to respond to #metoo stories, California
lawmakers three years ago banned companies from imposing
non-disclosure agreements, or NDAs, in cases of sexual
harassment, sexual assault or sex discrimination out of concern
that secret deals were allowing companies to maintain
problematic cultures.
The new law covers confidentiality in a broader range of cases,
including racial discrimination and harassment based on
disability.
Ozoma last year said that as a Black woman, she was pushed aside
by managers at Pinterest for some tasks and underpaid.
Supporters said the new law will help hold companies accountable
to promises they have made to offer a diverse and inclusive
workplace.
Pinterest signed on as a supporter of the legislation.
(Reporting by Paresh Dave; Editing by Stephen Coates)
[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
