Workday will be facing a proposed class-action suit in the United States alleging that its algorithmic job applicant screening software is biased.
U.S. District Judge Rita Lin said on Friday that Workday can be considered an employer in the U.S., since its algorithm-based screening software makes decisions about which job applicants its clients should consider for employment, and which it shouldn’t.
A job-hopeful who had submitted over 100 applications to Workday-listed postings (for jobs he said he was qualified for) alleged that Workday’s software screened him out because he is Black, over 40, and has anxiety and depression. Workday attempted to have the suit dismissed, alleging that its software is not an “employment agency” but a basic tool, and therefore not subject to human rights laws that govern employers.
