Google has terminated 28 employees following sit-down protests against the tech giant’s contract to provide cloud computing and artificial intelligence services to the Israeli government.
The dismissals occurred after members of the group No Tech for Apartheid staged protests at Google offices in California and New York, opposing the $1.2 billion contract known as Project Nimbus.
Videos circulating on social media depicted police arresting employees within the office of Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian during the demonstrations.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Google denounced the protesters’ actions, citing them as a violation of company policies and unacceptable behavior.
“After refusing multiple requests to leave the premises, law enforcement was engaged to remove them to ensure office safety,” a Google spokesperson stated. “We have so far concluded individual investigations resulting in the termination of employment for 28 employees, and will continue to investigate and take action as needed.”
Google also refuted claims that the contract was linked to weapons or intelligence services.
In a blog post, Google CEO Sundar Pichai addressed the protests, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a workplace conducive to open discussion while upholding company policies.
“We have a culture of vibrant, open discussion that enables us to create amazing products and turn great ideas into action,” Pichai stated. “But ultimately we are a workplace and our policies and expectations are clear.”
No Tech for Apartheid accused Google of retaliation, alleging that those fired included staff who had not directly participated in the protests.
“This flagrant act of retaliation is a clear indication that Google values its $1.2 billion contract with the genocidal Israeli government and military more than its own workers,” the group stated in a Medium post.
The group also disputed Google’s claims of property damage and disruption of work, asserting that the protests were peaceful and received positive support from fellow employees.
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