GOOGLE WALKOUT
Why have Google staff walked out of work, who is Andy Rubin and what has Sundar Pichai told employees?
Thousands of employees at Google offices around the world walked out in protest
ON November 1, 2018 Google staff protested by walking out of offices all over the world.
But why did workers take such drastic action? Here's what we know so far about the mass walkouts.
Why have Google staff walked out?
Staff have taken action in protest of the company's treatment of women.
The walkouts on November 1, 2018 followed reports the creator of Google's Android software, Andy Rubin, received a multi-million dollar severance pay from the firm amid sexual misconduct allegations.
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It's thought staff have reached boiling point after a against Rubin, who has denied the claims.
The report claimed Rubin received a $90million - £70million - exit package in 2014, even though Google thought the allegations were credible.
Hundreds of Google engineers and other workers walked out in unprecedented protests at the company's treatment of executives accused of sexual misconduct.
The planned protests were scheduled for 11.10am local time at each of Google's offices globally.
The employees are demanding several key changes in how sexual misconduct allegations are dealt with at the firm, including a call to end forced arbitration in cases of harassment and discrimination, which would make it possible for victims to sue.
In a statement, the Google Walkout said it was also calling for:
- A commitment to end pay and opportunity inequity.
- A publicly disclosed sexual harassment transparency report.
- A clear, uniform, globally inclusive process for reporting sexual misconduct safely and anonymously.
- To elevate the chief diversity officer to answer directly to the CEO and make recommendations directly to the Board of Directors. In addition, appoint an Employee Representative to the Board.
Who is Andy Rubin?
Andy Rubin is an American computer programmer, entrepreneur and creator of Google's Android software.
The son of a psychologist, Rubin was actually nicknamed "Android" by his workmates at Apple in 1989 - because of his love of robots.
When Android was acquired by Google in 2005, Rubin became the company's senior vice president of mobile and digital content.
He was given a hero’s farewell when he left the company in October 2014, with Google chief executive Larry Page calling his contribution “truly remarkable”.
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But the tech giant was said to have been aware of a woman who claimed Rubin had coerced her into performing oral sex on him in a hotel room in 2013 during an extramarital affair.
Google investigated and concluded her claim was credible, before asking for Rubin’s resignation, according to the New York Times.
They could have fired the executive and paid him nothing – but instead handed him a £70million exit package, paid in instalments of £1.5million a month for four years.
During his employment, sex and bondage videos were also allegedly found on Rubin’s computer and Google docked his bonus, the New York Times reported.
A lawsuit filed in October 2018 by Rubin’s ex-wife claimed he had multiple “ownership relationships” with other women during their marriage, paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to them.
The couple were divorced in August.
Rubin was one of three executives that Google protected over the past decade after they were accused of sexual misconduct, the New York Times claimed.
Google staff walk out of offices all over the world over treatment of women amid revelations exec received £90m payout despite ‘credible’ sexual misconduct claims
What has Sundar Pichai told employees?
Google chief executive Sundar Pichai has told staff he supports their right to take the action, , .
"I understand the anger and disappointment that many of you feel," he said in an email to staff."
"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."
Mr Pichai reportedly told staff that at least 48 other employees have been sacked for sexual harassment without receiving a payout, and admitted the New York Times’ report had been "difficult to read".
In a statement to The Sun Online, Mr Pichai said: "Yesterday, 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."
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