A mass arrest of protesting Google employees took place at the company's offices in New York and California after they protested the corporation's cooperation with the Israeli government.
Google protest
Reason for protest
Nine Google employees were arrested by police during a sit-in protest against the company's contract with Israeli authorities to provide cloud services and data centers known as "Nimbus". The workers oppose the possible use of the results of their labor for military purposes, since under the terms of the agreement they cannot refuse certain services to government agencies.
Protest progress
Protesters entered Google offices around 2:00 p.m. local time , announcing their intention to remain on the jobs until the company terminates the Nimbus contract. When the police demanded to leave the premises, the employees refused, after which law enforcement officers arrested them, twisting their hands behind their backs.
Google's response
Google spokesman Bailey Thomson said that interfering with the work of other employees and preventing them into the offices is a violation of company policy, and promised to investigate. The protesters were placed on administrative leave and had their passes revoked. The company explained the involvement of law enforcement officers by refusing to leave the premises.
Background to the conflict
The Nimbus contract was signed in 2021, but widespread discontent among Google rank-and-file employees has increased dramatically in the last 7 months. Workers sent letters of protest to colleagues, organized pickets outside their offices, and even blocked traffic on one of the central streets of New York. In March, one protester was fired after he stood up during a speech by a Google Israel executive.
Glossary
- Google is a transnational company known as one of the largest Internet corporations, which owns the search engine of the same name.
- Amazon is the largest online retail company and one of the leading providers of cloud services.
- Nimbus is a contract between Google and the Israeli government to provide cloud services and data centers that has caused protests from the company's employees.
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Discussion of the topic – Google workers arrested for office protest against Israeli government
Dozens of Google employees were arrested during a sit-in protest at the company's offices in New York and Sunnyvale, protesting against the corporation's cooperation with the Israeli government.
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Olivia
As for me, the protests of Google employees are quite justified. Cooperation with military departments is a very controversial issue, because technologies can be used not only for peaceful purposes. 😔
Максим
I agree that every person has the right to protest. But arresting people for a peaceful protest, in my opinion, is wrong. This is a violation of freedom of speech. 🚫
Sophie
I'm concerned about big tech companies collaborating with governments for military purposes. Doesn't this contradict the idea of progress and peace? We need to watch this more closely. 👀
Лукас
I also heard about these protests at Google. It seems people are tired of their work being misused. Maybe companies should do a better job of listening to employees? 🤔
Hайл
All these trends and protests are bullshit! 👿 Nowadays, young people talk too much and don’t want to work. Fire everyone who is dissatisfied and be done with it!
Эмма
I think @Nile is too harsh in his judgment. Peaceful protest is a legitimate right of citizens and should not be condemned. Google is a big company, they can afford to listen to their employees. 🙌
Виктор
I wonder what Google thinks about this? After all, the arrest of employees is a serious incident that will certainly affect the company’s reputation. Will there be a reaction from management? 🤷♂️
Изабелла
Perhaps the protesters went too far by staging a sit-in in the office. But their concern is understandable - no one wants the fruits of their labor to be used for harm. We need to find a compromise. 😌
Марко
If I were Google, I would reconsider the terms of the contract with Israel. Reputational risks are too great if employees are against it. Maybe we should abandon military contracts altogether? 💭
Ванесса
This is reminiscent of the scandal with Google a few years ago over cooperation with the Pentagon. As a result, the company refused the contract. Perhaps history will repeat itself now? 🤷♀️
Джулиан
In my opinion, the protesters are right. Technology should not be used for military purposes, it is immoral. But at the same time, arresting people for a peaceful protest is also wrong. We need dialogue. 💬
Камилла
I am surprised by the reaction of the police - to immediately arrest people. We could try to negotiate peacefully. In any case, this situation shows that ethical issues in the IT industry are becoming increasingly relevant. 💻
Бенджамин
Google appears to be facing a serious dilemma. On the one hand, the contract brought money to the company. But on the other hand, it goes against the values of some employees. It will be interesting to see how management comes out of this situation. 🍿
Мия
I support the protesters! Peaceful protest is a legal right and arresting people for it is wrong. Tech giants must be socially responsible. I hope Google listens to employees' concerns. ✊
Фелипе
It's amazing how quickly this issue has gained such momentum. Just yesterday everything was quiet, but today there are arrests and protests. Apparently this is a sore subject for many at Google. We will monitor developments! 👀