Google Employees Stage Worldwide Protest

Google employees around the world have staged a series of walkouts in protest at the company’s handling of misconduct allegations.

The staff are demanding several important changes in how sexual misconduct claims are dealt with at Google, including a call to end forced arbitration.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai told the staff he supports their right to protest.

"I understand the anger and disappointment that many of you feel," he said in an all-staff email. "I feel it as well, and I am fully committed to making progress on an issue that has persisted for far too long in our society… and, yes, here at Google, too."

A Twitter account named @googlewalkout documented the movement at Google's international offices.

Google employees in Singapore, Zurich, London, Tokyo, Berlin and New York were among those that participate.

Google staff in San Fransisco participating in the walkout. Source: @sonialfajardo

What is forced arbitration?

Forced arbitration demands any disputes are dealt with internally. This means employees are unable to take their case to court.

Critics say forced arbitration is used to not only protect the reputations of both the company and the accused, but also to silence victims who are unable to appeal against decisions or take further action.

Google employees protesting in New York. Source: @mer__edith

What led to the protest?

The New York Times reported that Google executive, Andy Rubin received a $90m (RM375m) payout after he left the company, despite what Google considered a “credible” allegation of sexual misconduct. Rubin denies the accusation.

On Tuesday, Google’s X director, Richard DeVaul also resigned after he was discovered to have made unwanted advances towards a woman who was recently interviewed for a job.

At least 48 other employees were sacked for sexual harassment without receiving a payout, Mr Pichai told staff. He admitted the New York Times’ report had been "difficult to read".

Google walkout in Zurich, Switzerland. Source: @TedOnPrivacy

What do Google employees want?

Employees involved in Thursday's protest left notes on their desks telling coworkers: "I’m not at my desk because I’m walking out with other Googlers and contractors to protest sexual harassment, misconduct, lack of transparency, and a workplace culture that’s not working for everyone."

The staff have also made formal demands to Google’s management. They are:

1. A commitment to end pay and opportunity inequality

2. A publicly disclosed sexual harassment transparency report

3. A clear, uniform, globally inclusive process for reporting sexual misconduct safely and anonymously

4. The elevation of the chief diversity officer to answer directly to the CEO, and make recommendations directly to the board of directors

5. The appointment of an employee representative to the board

6. An end to forced arbitration in cases of harassment and discrimination for all current and future employees

Google employees left this flyer on their desks before walking out. Source: @GoogleWalkout

What else are Google staff angry about?

There has never been a protest of such scale at a Silicon Valley company, but it follows a trend for employee activism.

In the past year, Google employees have spoken out strongly against the company’s work with the US Department of Defense, as well as plans to re-enter the Chinese market with a censored search engine.