Google has fired more than 50 people in the past week for participating in demonstrations against the firm ’s cloud computing cope with the Israeli government, according to activist group No Tech for Apartheid.
The Washington Post reports that the sackings come in the midst of sit-ins at Google’s offices in New York City and Sunnyvale, California, on April 16, where people protested the technical giant’s deal with Israel. Google CEO Sundar Pichai had just sent out a companywide note stating that people should not use the business as a “personal system ” or “fight over destructive problems or argument elections. ”
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, attends a press occasion to proclaim Google as the new standard mate of the Women’s National Team at Google Berlin. Photo: Christoph Soeder/dpa ( Photo by Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images )
A Google spokeswoman confirmed the extra layoffs after the company continued its investigation into the protests. No Tech for Apartheid director Jane Chung accused Google of attempting to “quash opposition, silence its employees and establish its power over them. ”
The demonstrations at Google are part of a larger flood of opposition to U. S. companies and the federal working with Israel. Pro-Palestinian protesters have been arrested at institutions like Yale and Columbia, while protesters blocked highways, roads and aircraft doors across the country to rally the ongoing battle in Gaza.
Google says that each fired employee constantly disrupted its offices, a assert the employees dispute. Some assert they did not actually enter the office on the day of the organized presentations. This fire is unprecedented for Google, which previously had a reputation for a comparatively open workplace culture that encouraged questioning officials ’ choices.
In his letter, Pichai drew a range, saying Google’s flexibility applied to work issues, not politicians. “We have a lifestyle of vibrant, open debate that enables us to create amazing materials and move great ideas into action, ” he wrote. “ But unfortunately we are a workplace and our plans and aspirations are obvious: this is a business. ”
Read more at the Washington Post below.
Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News covering concerns of free speech and virtual repression.
