Given the tech giant’s substantial earnings, Google is facing criticism from the Alphabet Workers Union, which deems the recent job cuts across various teams unnecessary. The recent layoffs have affected projects related to Fitbit’s health tracker, Google Assistant’s voice control, and hardware, including augmented reality.
While the exact number of job losses remains unclear, Google confirmed the closure of “a few hundred” roles across multiple teams, leading to concerns among employees and the Alphabet Workers Union. In response, the union posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing discontent and vowing to oppose the job cuts. The union asserted that it is “needless” for Google to eliminate jobs when the company continues to generate billions in revenue, emphasizing the dedication of its members to building exceptional products for users.
In its defense, Google stated that the organizational changes aimed to enhance efficiency, better collaboration, and align resources with major product priorities. The company emphasized its commitment to supporting impacted employees as they explore new roles within Google and beyond.
The job cuts are particularly notable in teams related to Fitbit, a health tracker acquired by Google for $2.1 billion in 2019. Reports suggest that co-founders James Park and Eric Friedman are among those departing the Fitbit team. Significant layoffs have occurred in the division working on Google Assistant, a voice-controlled technology comparable to Amazon’s Alexa.
Google reported impressive financial figures despite the workforce reductions, with $76.3 billion in revenue and a net income of $19.7 billion for the third quarter of 2023. The company defended its actions, citing the need for organizational adjustments to optimize operations and allocate resources effectively.
The situation raises questions about the balance between corporate profitability and workforce stability, as the union’s criticism reflects concerns about the impact on employees amidst Google’s robust financial performance. The tech giant continues to navigate evolving markets, expanding its capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, as demonstrated by the recent announcement of Bard powering future forms of Google Assistant.
