Google Layoffs: Cloud unit latest to be affected by ongoing job cuts

What’s going on at Google?

Google has reportedly reduced the size of several teams in its Cloud unit.

According to an internal document reviewed by Business Insider (BI), the tech giant’s consulting, partner engineering, “Go To Market” (GTM), and sustainability divisions were among those affected by the layoffs.

“As we’ve shared before, we continue to evolve our business to meet our customers’ priorities and the significant opportunity ahead,” a Google spokesperson told BI in a statement.

“We maintain our commitment to investing in areas that are critical to our business and ensure our long-term success.”

While the specific number of jobs cut wasn’t disclosed, it’s believed that the company’s GTM team was hit the hardest.

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• Microsoft Layoffs: Azure cloud and mixed reality units affected

Impact on Canadian staff

It remains unclear if any Canadian employees are affected by the reduction at Google.

According to the company’s LinkedIn page, it has more than 4,000 workers in the country.

Termination agreements for Google Canada employees

In Canada, non-unionized employees at Google are owed full severance pay when they lose their jobs due to downsizing, corporate restructuring, or the closure of the business.

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.

People working “on contract” or as a contractor may also be owed severance pay — given that many employees in Canada are often misclassified as independent contractors.

Severance can be as much as 24 months’ pay, depending on a number of factors.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains why you are still owed severance if you have been downsized on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Before accepting a severance offer, double-check the amount using our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their entitlements.

In addition to your salary, make sure to factor in any other elements of your compensation (i.e. bonuses, commission, etc.).

If your employer’s offer falls short of what our Severance Pay Calculator says you are owed, it’s very likely that you have been wrongfully dismissed and should contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their dismissal to pursue proper severance pay.

LEARN MORE
• Severance for provincially regulated employees
• Rights to severance for tech sector staff
• Severance packages during mass layoffs

Major tech layoffs continue

Google isn’t the only tech giant that has scaled back its staffing levels in 2024.

Other big names, including Tesla, SAP Canada, IBM Canada, Netflix, Amazon, Intel, Lightspeed, Dell, Cisco, and Mozilla, have pulled out the axe as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• Home Hardware slashes staff in response to economic ‘constraints’
• Whirlpool Layoffs: 1,000 positions axed amid slow home sales
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Lost your job? Talk to an employment lawyer

If you have been fired or let go for any reason, contact the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. have successfully represented tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals.

In addition to severance package negotiations, we can assist you on a broad range of employment matters, including:

If you are a non-unionized employee who needs help with a workplace issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.