As Google grows and grows, so will its similarities with the problems faced in the tradtional corporate world. The AP wires report that a former Google employee has started a lawsuit which accusses the online search company of discriminating against age.
AP Wires Report:
Online search engine leader Google Inc. casts itself as an enlightened employer that pampers its employees with free meals to supplement plentiful helpings of stock options that could soon be worth millions of dollars.
But a lawsuit filed earlier this week by a recently fired Google manager contends the company has cultivated a culture that discriminates against older workers and fosters serious morale problems.
The civil complaint, filed Tuesday in Santa Clara Superior Court, alleges Mountain View-based Google fired Brian Reid, 54, as its director of operations in February 2004 because he didn’t fit in a culture emphasizing ”youth and energy.”
Google denied the allegations. ”We believe Mr. Reid’s complaint is without merit and will defend against it vigorously,” spokesman Steve Langdon said. He declined to discuss why Reid lost his job.
Wrongful termination suits alleging age discrimination are common in corporate America, but Reid’s complaint could prove awkward for Google, an unorthodox company that has depicted itself as a progressive employer since its founding nearly six years ago.
