Google Fires 28 Workers for Protesting Cloud Computing Contract with Israeli Government
In a controversial move, Google has terminated 28 employees for participating in sit-ins at the company’s New York and Sunnyvale offices. The employees were protesting Google’s cloud computing contract with the Israeli government, which has been a point of contention for many within the company.
Tensions between management and activist employees had been simmering for some time, particularly over Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion deal with the Israeli government. The discord reached a boiling point during the recent conflict in Gaza, leading to the sit-ins and protests.
Nine of the employees who participated in the sit-ins were arrested on charges of trespassing at the offices the day before the firings. Google spokespersons have defended the company’s actions, stating that physically impeding other employees’ work is a violation of company policies.
This is not the first time Google has clashed with employees over activism surrounding Israel. In the past, the company fired an employee for disrupting an Israeli technology conference in New York.
In response to the growing tension between management and employees, Google announced that they are making changes to a corporate forum to help address the conflict and prevent further disruptions in the workplace.
The firings have sparked debate both within Google and among the general public, with many questioning whether the company’s actions were justified or if they were an infringement on employees’ right to protest. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges that tech companies face in navigating political and social issues within their own ranks. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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