In Pictures: Google employees around the world stage walkout

The #GoogleWalkout saw more than 1,000 Googlers stage a short mid-day walkout to protest sexual harassment and inequality.
By: | November 2, 2018
Topics: Asia-Pacific | DE&I | Employee Experience | Europe | News | Singapore | US

 

More than 1,000 Google employees across multiple international offices staged a short walkout yesterday – more than the 200 previously anticipated.

The walkout occurred just before lunch time in Tokyo, Singapore, Dublin, and many more major Google hubs.

The employees were protesting the company’s “workplace bro” culture that seemingly protected male employees who were involved in separate incidents of alleged sexual misconduct.

In an Instagram post, organisers posted a list of their objectives, including the appointment of an Employee Representative to the board, as well as the elevation of the Chief Diversity Officer to report to the CEO directly.

“We were disgusted by the details of the recent New York Times article, which provided the latest example of a culture of complicity, submissiveness, and support for perpetrators in the face of sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse of power,” they said in a statement.

In Ireland, protesting employees reportedly left notes 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.”

CEO Sundar Pichai voiced his support of the employee action.

“Earlier this week, we let Googlers know that we are aware of the activities planned for Thursday and that employees will have the support they need if they wish to participate. Employees have raised constructive ideas for how we can improve our policies and our processes going forward. We are taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action,” he said in a statement.

Scroll on for images from the various walkouts.