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Google has terminated an additional 20 employees following internal protests over the company’s involvement in a contract with Israel’s defense sector.
These individuals, described as “non-participating bystanders” by No Tech for Apartheid spokesperson Jane Chung, were let go in the aftermath of last week’s demonstration against Google’s participation in Project Nimbus, a significant $1.2 billion defense deal, as per a report by The Verge.
With this latest round of terminations, the total number of job cuts has exceeded 50, highlighting a major escalation in Google’s ongoing internal turmoil.
The initial protest resulted in the arrest of nine employees. It garnered criticism from Google’s head of security, Chris Rackow, who circulated a company-wide memo characterizing the demonstrations as disruptive and threatening to colleagues.
Rackow’s memo underscored Google’s inquiry into the incident and subsequent dismissal of 28 employees found to be involved, underscoring the company’s adherence to workplace conduct guidelines.
CEO Sundar Pichai also shared Rackow’s sentiments. He went on to explain how Google is dedicated to fostering an environment of ‘open dialogue’ while highlighting the importance of maintaining decorum that befits a workplace.
“We have a vibrant, open discussion culture that enables us to create amazing products and turn great ideas into action. That’s important to preserve,” Pichai stated.
He further emphasized that Google’s policies are clear: the workplace is for conducting business, not disrupting colleagues, using the company as a personal platform, or engaging in contentious political debates.
The protests initially stemmed from discontent among several Google employees in California and New York over the company’s collaboration with the Israeli government on Project Nimbus, a cloud computing agreement inked in 2021.
Demonstrators affiliated with the No Tech for Apartheid movement within Google voiced objections at various company locations, including New York and California offices.
Their actions escalated as they occupied Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian’s office for over eight hours, live-streaming their demands on Twitch.
These demands included severing ties with the Israeli military and addressing worker safety concerns. However, as the evening progressed, company officials placed the protesters on administrative leave and requested their departure, ultimately leading to police intervention and arrests, abruptly concluding the live stream.
