X to Face Age Bias Class Action Lawsuit, Says US Judge

A U.S. federal judge in San Francisco has ruled that approximately 150 older workers laid off by social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after Elon Musk's acquisition of the company can proceed with a class-action lawsuit for age discrimination. This decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston, could potentially expose the company to millions of dollars in damages.

The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed in 2023 by John Zeman, a former employee in X’s communications department. Zeman alleged that X disproportionately targeted older workers in its 2022 mass layoffs, noting that 60% of employees aged 50 and older were let go, along with nearly three-quarters of those over 60, compared to 54% of workers under 50.

Judge Illston's decision emphasizes the potential discriminatory nature of the layoffs, stating that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that X may have acted in a biased manner. She granted class-action status to the case, allowing Zeman's attorneys to inform potential class members, giving them the option to join the lawsuit.

X has firmly denied any allegations of discrimination, stating that the recent layoffs affected the entire communications department, including employees across all age groups, where Zeman was employed. The company has not provided any statements regarding the judge’s ruling at this time. This response comes amid ongoing legal scrutiny over the fairness and rationale behind the layoffs, with the court's decision potentially influencing future legal and public relations strategies for X.

This case is just one of several lawsuits X faces following Musk's decision to lay off over half of Twitter’s workforce after his takeover. Other claims against the company include allegations that it failed to provide adequate notice before the layoffs, discriminated against women, and targeted workers with disabilities by banning remote work. Some claims have been dismissed, but plaintiffs have been given the opportunity to refile with more detailed complaints. Additionally, two lawsuits allege that X owes former employees over $500 million in unpaid severance, with one of these cases dismissed in July.

Lawyer Shannon Liss-Riordan, who represents Zeman and approximately 2,000 other former employees, expressed her satisfaction with the judge's ruling, stating that it represents a significant step forward in their pursuit of justice. The decision not only validates the claims of current plaintiffs but also opens the door for additional former employees to join the lawsuit. Liss-Riordan emphasized the importance of this development, as it strengthens their collective effort to hold the company accountable for alleged wrongful terminations or unfair treatment.

She further highlighted that this ruling signals a critical moment in the case, enabling more individuals who believe they were wronged to participate in the legal action. By expanding the scope of the lawsuit, more former employees may have an opportunity to seek damages or other forms of relief for their grievances. The move could also increase pressure on the company to resolve the case, potentially leading to settlements or broader systemic changes within its workforce policies.

Liss-Riordan's comments underscore the importance of collective action in employment law cases, particularly when dealing with large corporations. This case could serve as a precedent for similar future disputes, where large groups of employees face significant hurdles in addressing corporate misconduct or violations of labor laws.