Google workers stage worldwide walkout

Image 1 of 3

Google workers around the world walked off the job Thursday to protest the internet company's lenient treatment of executives accused of sexual misconduct.

It was the latest expression of a backlash against men's exploitation of female subordinates in a business, entertainment and politics.

In Silicon Valley, women also are becoming fed up with the male-dominated composition of the technology industry's workforce -- a glaring imbalance that critics say fosters unsavory behavior.

A week ago, a New York Times story detailed allegations of sexual misconduct against the creator of Google's Android software, Andy Rubin.

The report said Rubin received a $90 million severance package in 2014 even though Google thought the allegations were credible.

Rubin has denied the allegations.

The 'Walkout for Real Change' was scheduled to begin at 11:10 a.m. in local time zones. Among their claims, the workers were asking for pay equity, more transparency, a clear process for reporting sexual harassment claims, and elevating the Chief Diversity Officer to answer directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Google sent a statement to FOX 5 NY about the walkout:

“Earlier this week, we let Googlers know that we are aware of the activities planned for today and that employees will have the support they need if they wish to participate. Employees have raised constructive ideas for how we can improve our policies and our processes going forward. We are taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action.”

With the Associated Press