Powerful Scenes From Today's Google Walkout Around The World
Last week, the New York Times reported that Google has a history of quietly offering multi-million-dollar severance packages to executives accused of sexual misconduct. Understandably, many Google staffers were unhappy to learn that their employer has a habit of rewarding and covering up for alleged abusers. In response, seven Google staffers — Claire Stapleton, Tanuja Gupta, Meredith Whittaker, Celie O'Neil-Hart, Stephanie Parker, Erica Anderson and Amr Gaber — organized a walkout that took place today at 11:10 AM local time at Google offices around the world.
In an open letter to management, the organizers of the walkout explained what prompted the public protest.
All employees and contract workers across the company deserve to be safe. Sadly, the executive team has demonstrated through their lack of meaningful action that our safety is not a priority. We've waited for leadership to fix these problems, but have come to this conclusion: no one is going to do it for us. So we are here, standing together, protecting and supporting each other. We demand an end to the sexual harassment, discrimination, and the systemic racism that fuel this destructive culture.
[Via The Cut]
Their demands include an end to forced arbitration in harassment cases, a commitment to equal pay for women and people of color, a public report on harassment at Google and a clear, consistent process for reporting sexual misconduct.
The walkout drew impressive crowds in cities around the globe. Here's what the walkout looked like at Google offices large and small.
Singapore
Zurich
London
Dublin
New York
Cambridge
Chicago
Ann Arbor
San Fransisco
Seattle
