Workday Fights AI Bias Lawsuit

Workday has requested a U.S. judge to dismiss a proposed class action lawsuit that accuses its AI-powered screening software of discrimination. The lawsuit, filed by four named plaintiffs, alleges race, sex, age, and disability discrimination stemming from the software's use by hundreds of employers.

Workday contends that the plaintiffs have not demonstrated that the company made hiring decisions on behalf of its customers, which is crucial for certifying the proposed classes. In a separate filing, Workday also argued for the decertification of a conditional collective of over 15,000 individuals alleging age discrimination.

A hearing regarding class certification is scheduled for March. This litigation is significant as it targets the algorithmic decision-making behind widely used AI screening tools, potentially influencing future cases. Concerns about AI bias are growing, but legal challenges have been limited, partly due to applicants often being unaware of AI's use in hiring.