Difficult day for Google employees

Employee consultation process needs to be fair and transparent, say FSU.

 The announcement today by Google of 240 job losses amounting to 4% of its Irish workforce has been described by the Financial Services Union (FSU) as a difficult and worrying day for google employees.

Commenting on the announcement Gareth Murphy, Head of Industrial Relations and Campaigns with the FSU said:

“Google employees have been waiting with trepidation for this announcement since it was announced that Google was to cut 6% of its worldwide workforce.

Google staff have contributed hugely to the success of the company, and we expect this will be recognised when the consultation process starts tomorrow.

Google is a highly profitable company with loyal and dedicated staff. The consultation process needs to be transparent and explore fully any options to mitigate against and reduce redundancies.

It is important that compulsory redundancies are avoided, and a voluntary redundancy package agreed that reflects the work and dedication of staff.

There is the added concern that staff on work visas from Countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine who, if made redundant may be required to return to dangerous and often precarious situations in their home countries are protected.

The FSU will actively support and provide advice to our members and would ask Google to provide sufficient time in the negotiations to reach an outcome that is acceptable to all.”

ENDS