Google Layoffs in Canada: August 2025 Update + Severance Rights
Latest Google Layoff Update
August 2025
- A Google executive revealed to staff that the tech giant has eliminated 35% of its managers overseeing “small teams” over the past year.
In Canada, non-unionized employees at Google are entitled to significant compensation (up to 24 months’ pay) when fired or let go. This includes salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.
A wrongful dismissal occurs if Google terminates you without cause — or incorrectly “for cause” — and doesn’t provide the correct amount of severance pay.
Laid off at Google? 5 Key Steps
- Don’t sign anything on the spot: Carefully review all documents, including your severance offer. Deadlines from employers aren’t legally binding.
- Keep relevant documentation: Save any termination letters, severance offers, and employer communications.
- Use the Severance Pay Calculator: This tool will help you determine whether you’re being offered the correct amount of compensation.
- Contact an employment lawyer: The experienced team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP will ensure you receive the severance pay you’re legally entitled to — not a dollar less.
- Start searching for comparable employment: This helps mitigate income loss and shows good faith in your claim.
📺 WATCH: Layoff Rights Explained
Google Layoff History
Google has announced several layoffs over recent years due to recessions, downsizing, restructuring, cost-cutting measures, and shifts in operational focus.
Below is a timeline of recent layoffs:
- August 2025: Google has reportedly eliminated more than one-third of its “small teams” managers.
- June 2025: Google is reportedly offering buyouts to employees across several divisions, including its knowledge and information (K&I) unit.
- April 2025: Google has reportedly trimmed a variety teams, including Android, Pixel, and Chrome.
- December 2024: Google has slashed its top management positions by approximately 10 per cent as part of its years-long efficiency push.
- May 2024: Google reportedly reduced the size of several teams in its Cloud unit to cap off the month.
- April 2024: Google has reportedly trimmed several teams, including Dart, Flutter, and Python, ahead of its annual I/O developer conference.
- April 2024: Google is reportedly reducing the size of various teams, including real estate and finance.
- January 2024: YouTube, Google’s video-sharing platform, is eliminating 100 positions as it restructures its business.
- January 2024: Google is reducing the size of its ad sales team by “a few hundred roles globally.”
- January 2024: Google is eliminating hundreds of roles across its Assistant, hardware, and engineering teams in an effort to cut costs.
- December 2023: A report claims Google’s AI tools have made many jobs in its ad sales unit redundant, which could result in mass layoffs.
- September 2023: Hundreds of recruiters are being fired by Google as hiring at the tech giant slows.
- January 2023: Google parent Alphabet is eliminating approximately 12,000 jobs, or six per cent of its workforce, as the tech company grapples with a slowdown in growth.
- September 2022: Google has reportedly notified around 50 workers, which is roughly half of those employed at the tech giant’s startup incubator Area 120, that they need to find a new internal role in the next three months if they want to stay with the company.
- February 2021: Google announced that it is closing Stadia Games & Entertainment, which would result in more than 150 employees losing their jobs.
- August 2020: Google’s investment arm GV, formerly Google Ventures, has reportedly laid off seven employees.
- October 2016: Access, the Alphabet internet division containing Google Fiber, announced that it will lay off employees and replace its CEO as it looks for cheaper ways to deliver internet service to new cities.
FAQs About Severance & Termination
👉 Can My Employment Contract Limit My Severance?
👉 Are Temporary Layoffs Allowed?
👉 Do Contractors Qualify For Severance?
👉 How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Proven Results from Samfiru Tumarkin LLP
More than 99% of employment law matters are settled in the first few weeks or during mediation. However, when court is necessary, we have the expertise to deliver results — often with legal fees covered by the employer.
Significant Severance Secured for Short-Service Exec
In Perretta v. Rand A Technology Corporation, a sales professional refused to settle for less when her employer tried to tie severance to an unfair release. With Samfiru Tumarkin LLP on her side, she walked away with six months of severance — a bold win.
BMO Faces the Music
In Maticevic v. Bank of Montreal, a dedicated long-term employee found justice after being wrongfully dismissed. With Stephen LeMesurier, a lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP leading the charge, they secured a game-changing severance package.
Short Stint, Huge Statement
In Marques v. Delmar International, a high-level executive was shown the door after just eight months — but didn’t leave empty-handed. Thanks to Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, they secured a four-month severance, showing even short-term employees deserve big wins.
Lost Your Job? Get Help Now
If you’ve been fired or let go from Google for any reason, don’t sign anything until you speak with the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.
Your employer might be asking you to accept a severance package that doesn’t take into consideration all of your entitlements.
Our employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) have helped many non-unionized employees understand their rights, challenge unfair severance packages, and get what the law truly says they’re owed.
- 👥 Over 50,000 clients helped across Canada
- 💰 Millions recovered in severance and compensation
- ⚖️ No win, no fee — you don’t pay unless we win*
- ⭐ 3,000 5-star Google reviews across Canada (4.7 average)
- 🏆 Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by The Globe and Mail
* Conditions apply. Not all cases qualify.
📞 Call us at 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.
You must consult your union representative regarding termination, severance pay, and other workplace issues. By law, employment lawyers can’t represent unionized employees with these issues. They’re governed by your collective bargaining agreement.
Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.
About the Author
Lior Samfiru
Lior Samfiru is a Founding Partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and the Practice Leader of the firm’s Labour & Employment Law Group. Known for his advocacy and success representing both employees and employers, Lior exclusively serves clients in Ontario, where his extensive experience has made him one of Canada’s most sought-after employment lawyers.
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