Former exec's court filings allege women fired after complaining of ‘boys’ club’; investigator recommended culture reviews, training
Court filings in a lawsuit involving BlackBerry Ltd. describe allegations from former employees who say they were dismissed after flagging concerns about what they characterize as a non-inclusive workplace culture.
The filings, submitted in support of former BlackBerry chief marketing officer Neelam Sandhu, allege at least three women were fired after reporting what the documents describe as a “boys’ club” culture at the company.
Sandhu launched her lawsuit against the Waterloo, Ont.-based cybersecurity firm and its CEO, John Giamatteo, in April 2024, according the Canadian Press.
Discrimination, retaliation claims in U.S. court
The court record described by the Canadian Press shows Sandhu’s case has already been narrowed. A judge dismissed her hostile work environment and wage discrimination claims, while gender discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower retaliation claims continue in a U.S. court.
The latest filings attempt to strengthen Sandhu’s case by pointing to other complaints alleged to have been made within the organization, and by describing recommendations made by an international law firm that was consulted, according to the documents.
Among the recommendations from the law firm that were described in the court filing are a workplace culture survey, a pay equity audit, a review of how workforce reductions affect women, steps to improve dialogue between leaders and employees, implicit bias training, and the designation of a diversity, equity, and inclusion officer.
Allegations of exclusion of certain employees
The filings also outline allegations about workplace dynamics at the executive level, including claims that Sandhu said the CEO surrounded himself with “a C-suite of his cronies” and long-time associates, creating an environment where some employees felt excluded.
According to the Canadian Press, the court materials say Sandhu was terminated by Giamatteo and received a separation agreement valued at more than US$1.3 million.
The filings also reference another former executive described as a senior vice-president with two decades at BlackBerry, who was allegedly fired in December 2023 after making formal complaints to human resources about a “toxic” culture and non-inclusive comments.
BlackBerry has rejected the allegations. “The plaintiff’s claims have no merit and BlackBerry is confident its motion will be granted,” the company said to the Canadian Press.
The allegations laid out in the filings have not yet been tested in court.
