Google workers in London stage a protest over mass layoffs and demand recognition of union representation

Date: April 07, 2024

In January, the parent company of Google, Alphabet had announced to lay off 12,000 employees. As a result, the workers staged a protest in London.

Hundreds of Google workers stage a protest at the company's London offices today over layoffs. 

In January, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, announced a decision to lay off 12,000 employees, which accounts for 6% of the total workforce globally. The move comes as many IT companies are facing financial challenges, leading to layoffs of over 290,000 people in the sector this year, according to Layoffs. 

The organization Unite, representing many Google workers in the UK, accuses the company of disregarding worker concerns and failing to engage in the consultation process appropriately. They demand that Google recognize full employee union representation, participate properly in the consultation process, and show employees the respect and dignity they deserve. 

Similar walkouts have already occurred in other Google offices, including the recent one in Zurich, Switzerland. As per local labor rules, Google's top management and employees have held redundancy conversations in many European countries. 

However, employee representatives claim that Google has ignored their suggestions to mitigate job losses. In response to the protests, a Google spokesperson remarked that the company has been paying close attention to the concerns of its British counterparts and is putting in significant efforts to respond to their inquiries in accordance with all UK regulations and regulatory obligations. Google has around 5,000 employees in the UK. 

We stand in solidarity with the Google workers in their fight for their rights and demand that the company engages in constructive talks with their representatives. No employee deserves to be laid off without proper consultation and due respect.