Google Workers has announced plans to partner with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Alphabet Workers Union will be open to all employees and contractors at Google’s parent company. Its goal will be to address ongoing issues such as pay inequality, retaliation and controversial government contracts.
Nicki Anselmo, Google’s program manager, said: “This union has been boldly organized by Google’s workers for years. From fighting the ‘real names’ policy, to opposing Project Maven, to protesting the multi-million dollar payments made to officers who sexually harass, we have responded alphabetically that we work collectively when Alphabet responds. “
Google’s work on Project Maven, an attempt to use AI to improve targeted drone attacks, will provoke protests among employees who consider the work unethical. In 2018, the company decided not to renew its contract with the Pentagon. The company also ended its forced arbitration policy after 20,000 workers protested and accused former executive Andy Rubin of receiving a sexual 90 90 million exit package.
Now that the union’s effort is public, organizers will likely launch a series of campaigns to garner votes from Google activists. Prior to the announcement, about 230 Google employees and contractors signed the cards in support of the union.
Google contractors have long complained about their unequal treatment compared to full-time employees. While they make up the majority of Google employees, they often lack the benefits of paid employees. In 2019, about 80 Google contractors in Pittsburgh voted to join the United Steel Workers Union.
Alphabet Workers Union CWA plans to join the local 1400, which represents workers in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and California.
The news comes a month after the National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint alleging that Google had illegally fired two employees who were organizing a workers’ protest. Employees Lure Rance Burland and Catherine Spiers were planning against the company’s decision to work with IRI Consultants, which is notorious for its anti-union efforts.
It also follows the firing of the famous AI ethicist Timnit Gabru in December. In a press release announcing the union, the Alphabet Workers Union wrote: “The firing has sparked outrage from thousands of people, including black and brown workers, who regret the company’s actions and the uncertainty of their future on Google.”
Earlier this year, according to a report by NBC, employees of the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter voted to join the Office Fees and Professional Employees International Union Local 153. It was the first time white-collar employees had joined the tech industry.
If the union’s attempt at Google succeeds, members say they will give the union one percent of their annual return. The money will go towards paying legal fees and planning the employee.
