At a London rally, a union representative revealed that Google workers have been left in tears due to their fears of being made redundant. On Tuesday, hundreds of Unite union members employed by Google, who were protesting outside the tech giant’s King’s Cross headquarters, chanted “What’s disgusting? Union busting” and “Enough is enough” while holding signs reading “Being evil is not a strategy” and “R.I.P Google culture 1998 – 2023”.
In January, Alphabet, Google’s parent company, announced plans to make around 12,000 workers worldwide redundant—potentially resulting in up to 500 job cuts in the UK. Unite has accused Google of ignoring the issues raised by their elected workplace representatives and closing the collective consultation process for the redundancy plans. Google said it has been “constructively engaging and listening to employees” and that they are adhering to UK requirements and consulting with employee representatives when necessary.
At the rally, statements from anonymous Google workers were read out by Unite regional officer Matt Whaley. These included statements such as “the most dedicated Googler I know was laid off” and “Google has failed to live up to its values and do the right thing by its employees”. Unite further claims that Google is refusing to allow union representatives to attend the one-on-one consultations with workers, and those with disabilities are being requested to get a doctor’s note if they want a colleague to be present.
Unite alleges that Google is trying to limit legal representation for their employees and is refusing to take note of any grievances regarding the redundancy process. In addition, Unite has raised concerns about the “independence of the legal services available to the workers”, as Google staff are reportedly only allowed to use solicitors from a list approved by the company if they wish to receive payment for their legal costs.
Matt Whaley said that some of the Google employees he has been in contact with have been reduced to tears due to the company’s treatment of them. He added that even those who aren’t facing redundancy this time are still angered by how their colleagues are being treated. Furthermore, there is the worry that international workers on Google visas may now face deportation to hostile countries.
Before the protest, Whaley commented: “Google’s treatment of staff and attempts at union busting during the redundancy consultation process are appalling and potentially unlawful. Unite will not back down until Google allows workers full union representation, engages properly with the consultation process and treats its staff with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
In response to the claims, a Google spokesperson stated that they are “working hard to bring [employees] clarity and share updates as soon as we can in adherence with all UK processes and legal requirements” and will be supporting those whose roles are impacted by the job cuts. In the 18 months to the end of December 2021, Google reported £3.4 billion in turnover and a profit of £896 million, of which £200 million was paid in UK corporation tax.
