Some Google workers form labor union — a tech industry rarity
A group of Google engineers and other workers announced Monday they have formed a union, creating a rare foothold for the labor movement in the tech industry.
About 225 employees at Google and its parent company Alphabet are the first dues-paying members of the Alphabet Workers Union. They represent a fraction of Alphabet’s workforce, far short of the threshold needed to get formal recognition as a collective bargaining group.
But the new union, which will be affiliated with the larger Communication Workers of America, says it will serve as a “structure that ensures Google workers can actively push for real changes at the company.” Its members say they want more of a voice, not just on wages, benefits and protections against discrimination and harassment but also broader ethical questions about how Google pursues its business ventures.
The unionization campaign is the latest signal from employees who don’t believe the company is living up to its ideals.
Google said Monday that it’s tried to create a supportive and rewarding workplace but suggested it won’t be negotiating directly with the union. “Of course our employees have protected labor rights that we support,” said Kara Silverstein, the company’s director of people operations, in a statement. “But as we’ve always done, we’ll continue engaging directly with all our employees.”
Unionization campaigns haven’t historically been able to gain much traction among elite tech workers, who get hefty salaries and perks like shuttle rides to work.
