Google Faces Revived Suit Over What Its Workers Can Say Publicly

Google Inc. employees won revival of claims alleging the company violates California law by barring them from disclosing wage information, reporting safety and discrimination problems, and even writing novels, according to a California appeals court ruling.

The former and current employees allege 17 causes of action against Google and staffing agency Adecco USA Inc. under the state’s Private Attorneys General Act, including restraints of competition, whistleblowing, and freedom of speech.

Google allegedly requires employees to sign confidentiality agreements and imposes other policies that prevent workers from disclosing to other potential employers their wages and the skills and experience they gained ...