Google is facing backlash after it was revealed that it has stopped paying the remaining maternity and medical leave benefits for employees who were terminated.
According to a report by The Guardian, Google has been accused of not fulfilling its commitment to supporting its employees’ welfare by discontinuing their benefits even after they were laid off. The company is now facing criticism from labor activists who argue that this move is unethical and violates workers’ rights.
Under Google’s policies, employees are entitled to receive full pay during their maternity or medical leave, which can last up to 12 weeks. However, if an employee is terminated while on leave, the company is supposed to continue paying the remaining benefits until the employee is able to return to work.
However, according to the report, some former Google employees who were laid off while on maternity or medical leave have reported that their benefits were cut off as soon as they were terminated. This has left them in a precarious financial situation, with no means to support themselves or their families.
In response to the criticism, Google has stated that it follows all applicable laws and regulations in providing benefits to its employees, and that it takes the well-being of its workers seriously. However, it has not provided any explanation for why it stopped paying the remaining benefits for terminated employees.
The company’s actions have sparked outrage among labor activists, who argue that Google’s behavior is symptomatic of a larger problem in the tech industry, where workers are often treated as disposable assets. They are calling on Google and other tech giants to prioritize workers’ rights and invest in creating a fair and equitable workplace culture.
This is not the first time that Google has been accused of mistreating its workers. In 2018, thousands of employees walked out of the company in protest against its handling of sexual harassment allegations. The company has also faced criticism for its controversial labor practices, including the use of contract workers who do not receive the same benefits as full-time employees.
As the tech industry continues to grow and exert more influence over society, the treatment of workers is becoming an increasingly important issue. The actions of companies like Google will set a precedent for how workers are treated in the future, and it is essential that they are held accountable for their actions.
In light of the recent revelations, it is imperative that Google reevaluates its policies and practices to ensure that it is providing fair and equitable treatment to all of its employees, regardless of their status. Only then can it hope to build a workplace culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect.
