Google Layoffs: Your Rights and Severance Pay Explained

Google Canada is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., the U.S.-based parent company of Google.

The multinational technology company operates a search engine that helps billions of users access a wide array of information and entertainment.

Founded in 2002, Google Canada employs a national workforce of more than 2,500 employees.

Opening its first office in Toronto, Ontario, the company has expanded across the country with physical locations in Kitchener, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Vancouver.

Google’s software engineers, product managers, user experience researchers, and designers collaborate to build systems used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Laid off at Google? Steps to take

1. 1. Don’t sign a severance offer immediately: Non-unionized employees in Canada aren’t legally obligated to accept an offer on the spot or a few days after receiving it.
   2. Document everything: Keep records of termination notices, severance offers, and communication with human resources (HR).
   3. Research your entitlements: Our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator can help you figure out how much compensation you’re owed.
   4. Seek legal advice: Have an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP conduct a thorough review of your situation and severance offer.

If you’re a non-unionized worker in Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia who has already accepted a severance offer, don’t panic.

Connect with a legal professional as soon as possible.

SEE ALSO
• Where are layoffs taking place in Canada?
• Things to never do before talking to an employment lawyer

Severance pay facts for Google employees

In Canada, non-unionized employees at Google are entitled to up to 24 months of severance pay when laid off or terminated without cause—whether full-time, part-time, or hourly.

Some independent contractors may also qualify for severance.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru breaks down everything you need to know about severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Key facts:

• Severance pay is calculated using a variety of factors, such as age, position, length of service, and ability to find similar work. Learn more about severance pay in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
• Severance packages should include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation earned during employment.
• Employees generally have up to two years from the date of their termination to pursue full severance pay.

IMPORTANT: Failure to provide proper severance pay constitutes wrongful dismissal.

Our firm has assisted tens of thousands of individuals from entry-level roles to executive positions in obtaining the compensation that they deserve.

LEARN MORE
• Severance pay for provincially regulated employees
• Are severance packages different during mass layoffs?
• Severance entitlements in a recession

Why Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

Unlike employment law firms that rely heavily on courtroom victories, our proven strategy focuses on maximizing severance packages early in the claim process—helping clients avoid the time, cost, and stress of litigation.

With extensive courtroom experience to fall back when necessary, we excel at securing generous outcomes quickly and efficiently for our clients.

In addition to severance package negotiations, our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. can help with a variety of employment matters, including:

If you’re a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900.

Get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.

Additional resources for Google staff

• Do I have to look for a new job after getting fired?
• Can I get my job back if I’m fired?
• Facts about the termination process in Canada

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.