Workday algorithms accused of discrimination

Workday has been accused of creating recruiting algorithms that discriminate against black job seekers in their 40s. Writes about it The Register.

According to the class action lawsuit, the firm “illegally offers an algorithm-based candidate screening system that determines whether an employer should accept or reject a job application based on an individual’s race, age, and/or disability.”

The case is based on the alleged experience of Derek Mobley, a black man in his 40s who suffers from anxiety and depression. Since 2018, he has filed 80-100 job applications at companies that use Workday as a hiring screening tool, according to the documents.

Every time he was denied a job, despite having a bachelor’s degree in finance and an associate degree in network systems administration.

“Workday selection tools allow customers to manipulate and customize them in a discriminatory way to hire and onboard employees. The company’s products process and interpret the candidate’s qualifications and recommend whether the candidate should be accepted or rejected,” the lawsuit says.

The applicants claim that the Workday tools are based on subjective practices. They result in bias against African-American applicants, those over 40 and people with disabilities, the case documents say.

The plaintiffs also claimed that the company’s AI systems could adopt “conscious and unconscious” biases from the people who develop them.

Workday called the lawsuit unfounded. The developers said they are “committed to reliable AI” and act “responsibly and transparently” when building their services.

“We are involved in a risk-based review process throughout the product life cycle to mitigate any unintended consequences. […] We are also conducting legal research to ensure regulatory compliance,” Workday said.

Recall that in May 2022, the administration of US President Joe Biden warned about the threats of using AI tools in recruiting.

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