BENGALURU: Five former employees of Wipro had taken the company to a US court in 2020, alleging that it engaged in an intentional pattern and practice of employment discrimination against individuals who are not South Asian or of Indian national origin, including hiring, promotion, evaluation, and termination decisions.
Wipro sought to dismiss the motion, but the court recently said the motion is granted in part and denied in part.
One of the employees, Gregory MacLean, was employed by Wipro from May 2011 until February 2019 and hired him when Wipro acquired Science Application International Corporation (SAIC) in 2011. From May 2011 until December 2018, MacLean worked as a software analyst on a project servicing BP Arco, a former client of SAIC, the US court document showed.
When the project concluded, MacLean was placed on the bench, until Wipro selected him for a position on another project.
The US court filing showed MacLean claimed he “actively sought” new positions within Wipro, but “received very few responses” to his applications.
MacLean alleged that in February 2019, Wipro “falsely submitted a ‘resignation’ letter” on his behalf through Wipro’s intranet. After MacLean informed Wipro that he had not resigned, he was reinstated. A few days later, on February 25, 2019, Wipro terminated MacLean’s employment.
Other employees also made similar allegations.
When TOI contacted Wipro on the matter, a spokesperson said, "As a general rule, Wipro does not comment on pending litigation. Wipro is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and provide all our employees with a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. Wipro welcomes the order dismissing certain claims and will continue to vigorously defend the remaining allegations.”
