Google employees mutiny in protest at the treatment of women
Google employees from around the globe have staged a simultaneous mass walkout in protest at the company’s poor treatment of women.
Google employees mutiny in protest at the treatment of women
The unprecedented revolt saw staff surrender their desks at 11:10 local time with Singapore employees the first to down tools in a dramatic show of support for their colleagues.
Those taking part are leaving a post-it note at their desk reading: “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.”
A six-point list of demands has also been created calling for an end to the practice of forced arbitration for allegations of sexual misconduct, which would enable victims to sue. A commitment to end pay and opportunity inequality and the creation of a sexual harassment transparency report.
We, Google employees and contractors, will walkout on November 1 at 11:10am to demand these five real changes. #googlewalkout pic.twitter.com/amgTxK3IYw
— Google Walkout For Real Change (@GoogleWalkout) November 1, 2018
Other calls to action include an anonymous mechanism for reporting allegations of sexual misconduct, promotion of the chief diversity officer to report to the CEO and the appointment of an employee representative to the board.
The first of many coordinated #GoogleWalkout protests has begun - this is at the firm’s office in Singapore. (Pic via https://t.co/h44RZYGGHV ) pic.twitter.com/QeFgmPbHnN
— Dave Lee (@DaveLeeBBC) November 1, 2018
Google chief executive Sundar Pichai has himself supported the actions of his employees, writing in an open email to staff: "I understand the anger and disappointment that many of you feel.
"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.”
Resentment has been building since reports emerged last week that Andy Rubin, a high-profile former executive, was given a $90m payoff after a ‘credible’ allegation of sexual misconduct was levied against him.
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