Google workers announce plans to unionise

Google employees in the US have announced plans to unionise with the Communications Workers of America (CWA).

The Alphabet Workers Union will be open to all employees and contractors at Google's parent company. Its goal will be to tackle ongoing issues like pay disparity, retaliation, and controversial government contracts, reports the Verge.

"This union builds upon years of courageous organising by Google workers," said Nicki Anselmo, a Google programme manager.

"From fighting the 'real names' policy, to opposing Project Maven, to protesting the egregious, multi-million dollar payouts that have been given to executives who have committed sexual harassment, we've seen first-hand that Alphabet responds when we act collectively."

Google's work on Project Maven, an effort to use AI to improve targeted drone strikes, sparked protests among employees who saw the work as 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 staged a walkout to protest former executive Andy Rubin getting a $90 million exit package after he was credibly accused of sexual harassment.

Organisers will likely launch a series of campaigns to rally votes from Google workers. Prior to the announcement, about 230 Google employees and contractors had signed cards in support of the union.

Google contractors have long complained about unequal treatment

Google contractors have long complained about their unequal treatment compared to full-time staff. While they make up the majority of Google's workforce, they often lack the benefits of salaried employees.

In 2019, roughly 80 Google contractors in Pittsburgh voted to join the United Steelworkers union.

The Alphabet Workers Union plans to unionise with CWA Local 1400, which represents workers in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and California.

The news comes one month after the US National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint alleging Google illegally fired two workers who were organizing employee protests. The employees, Laurence Berland and Kathryn Spiers, were organising against the company's decision to work with IRI Consultants, a firm famous for its anti-union efforts.