Google employees organized by the Alphabet Workers Union presented a petition to CEO Sundar Pichai on Thursday containing more than 4,500 signatures calling for enhanced job security measures. The petition requests guaranteed severance packages, voluntary buyout options before any mandatory layoffs across all product divisions, and the ability to receive severance as extended paid leave. Workers also seek to eliminate performance rating systems they characterize as quota-based rather than merit-driven.
Union President Parul Koul highlighted the apparent contradiction between the company’s financial performance and workforce reductions. She noted that Google’s valuation has increased significantly over the past six years and stressed that layoffs represent profit prioritization over employee welfare. The union characterizes this petition as the largest collection of employee feedback Google has received regarding job security concerns.
Google has conducted workforce reductions in recent months while simultaneously expanding AI-related spending. The company eliminated a substantial portion of its management positions overseeing smaller teams, and Google Cloud carried out layoffs approximately two months ago. Company leadership has identified AI as a key investment priority with plans to continue recruitment and increase marketing resources in this area.
Broader industry patterns show similar dynamics across multiple technology firms. Meta, Oracle, Block, and Microsoft have all announced significant workforce reductions in recent months, with some explicitly attributing these cuts to AI adoption and efficiency improvements. Meta faces pending litigation from employees alleging that artificial intelligence tools were used to identify workers for layoffs, particularly those who requested leave accommodations or disability support.
The petition represents an escalation of union organizing efforts at Google, building on previous campaigns that secured voluntary exit packages for over 70,000 workers. Union representatives indicated that management has previously disregarded worker concerns raised through other channels, prompting the public demonstration and in-person delivery of the petition.