Google, one of the most powerful tech giants in the world, has built an empire worth trillions. Yet, financial success hasn’t shielded the company from cost-cutting measures, and employees are now facing growing concerns over job security.
The technology industry, once seen as an impenetrable fortress of opportunity, has witnessed widespread layoffs over the past year. Employees have watched in distress as companies slash jobs, reduce compensation, and restructure teams in response to shifting market priorities. Now, Google’s workforce is bracing for another wave of potential cuts following its latest performance evaluations.
Workers Demand Fairer Layoff Policies
Ahead of the anticipated layoffs, over 1,300 Google employees have signed a petition demanding more transparency and fairness in the company’s downsizing approach. Organized by the Alphabet Workers Union (AWU), the petition urges Google’s leadership to commit to fair severance packages for all affected workers, voluntary layoff options with compensation, and an end to the current performance review system—one that many argue has become a tool for justifying job cuts rather than evaluating performance.
“Repeated layoffs make us feel uncertain about our futures,” the petition states. “Google is in a strong financial position, yet it continues to let go of talented colleagues without clear reasoning.”
In response, Google introduced a voluntary exit program for employees within its Platforms and Devices division—those responsible for products like Android, Pixel, Chrome, Fitbit, and Nest. While this move appears to be a direct answer to employee concerns, labor organizers argue that a one-time offer is not enough to secure long-term job stability.
“We appreciate the progress made,” said an AWU representative, “but we insist that Google formally adopt policies ensuring voluntary buyout offers and fair severance terms as a standard practice, not a temporary solution.”

AI Reshaping Google’s Workforce
Google’s approach to workforce management has shifted significantly over the past year, particularly as the company pushes forward with artificial intelligence integration. In early 2023, Google restructured its hardware teams, resulting in hundreds of layoffs. Later, it merged its Android team with hardware operations to accelerate its AI-driven strategy.
This restructuring isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about positioning Google at the forefront of AI development. According to Google’s leadership, combining teams allows the company to “move faster” in embedding AI across all its products. This aggressive shift has paid off financially, with the company reporting a 15% revenue increase in Q3 of 2023, generating a staggering $26.3 billion in profit.
Yet, while Google enjoys soaring profits, its workforce faces increasing strain. Full-time employees are burdened with heavier workloads while job security remains uncertain. Meanwhile, a growing reliance on outsourced labor has left contract workers—many of whom help refine Google’s AI systems—earning far less than their full-time counterparts, often without access to benefits or union protection.
A Fight for Lasting Change
Google’s recent workforce reductions and restructuring efforts highlight a larger issue—profit-driven decision-making at the expense of employee well-being. Despite growing financial success, the company continues to trim labor costs while prioritizing investments in AI.
For Google employees, the stakes are clear: one-off voluntary exit programs and temporary severance packages are not enough. They are calling for permanent policy changes to ensure fair treatment, job security, and a more ethical approach to workforce management. Whether or not Google listens remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the company’s workers are not backing down.