Google has terminated the employment of 28 workers following employee-led protests at its offices in Sunnyvale, California and New York City. The protests targeted Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud computing contract Google and Amazon share with the Israeli government, which includes access to Google’s AI and machine learning technology. The contract reportedly restricts Google and Amazon from terminating services due to political pressure.
Employee concerns about the project have simmered since its inception in 2021, escalating in recent months against the backdrop of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Protests included demonstrations outside Google and Amazon headquarters, culminating in some employees occupying buildings, including Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian’s office.
Protestors, represented by advocacy group Justice Speaks, allege Google’s involvement in Project Nimbus makes them “directly implicated in the genocide of the Palestinian people.” Google has dismissed these claims, stating the project “is not directed at highly sensitive, classified, or military workloads.”
However, protestors cite media reports alleging Google built custom tools for Israel’s Defense Ministry.Nine Google employees were arrested during the sit-ins, claiming their requests to discuss the project with Kurian were denied. Justice Speaks further accuses Google of fostering a work environment that retaliates against and silences Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim employees.
Google maintains the protests violated company policy and disrupted operations. A spokesperson confirmed the firings and stated they would “continue to investigate and take action” if necessary.
The move has drawn criticism from some Google employees, with hundreds reportedly supporting the “No Tech for Apartheid” campaign urging Google to drop Project Nimbus. Protestors vow to continue their fight until Google severs ties with the Israeli military.
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