A union accuses Google of violating labor law through retaliatory actions against organizing workers.

A union accuses Google of violating labor law through retaliatory actions against organizing workers.

Alphabet Workers Union Accuses Google of Violating Labor Laws

Introduction

In a recent filing with the National Labor Relations Board, the Alphabet Workers Union accused Google of violating federal labor law by retaliating against employees for organizing. The proposed bargaining unit, consisting of 118 writers, graphic designers, and launch coordinators responsible for creating internal and external Google content, were informed that their jobs would be eliminated. The majority of these workers are employed through the vendor Accenture Plc, but the union argues that Alphabet should be considered their joint employer. This designation would hold Alphabet accountable for their treatment and require negotiation if the workers choose to unionize.

Retaliatory Job Cuts

The decision to cut jobs has raised suspicions amongst the workers, who feel that the timing is incredibly suspect and retaliatory. Many of the affected employees, including Anjail Muhammad, a writer with Accenture, believe that Google and Accenture should be held accountable for their actions. Both Google and Accenture have not provided immediate comments on the matter. While Accenture claims to support the rights of its employees to form or join unions, a spokesperson stated that the workforce decisions were made prior to any notification of potential union activity.

Workers’ Perspective

According to employees who attended a livestreamed “town hall” session, where the job cuts were announced, no questions or comments were allowed. They later received an email that discussed the reduction of the Content Creation team supporting Google. This reduction would occur on a rolling basis through November. Tahlia Kirk, a writer and team trainer, expressed confidence that despite the challenges, the union election would be successful. However, with the layoffs, Kirk pointed out that the number of US-based employees would decrease drastically, with training being shifted to replacements in the Philippines and India.

Dispute Over Contract Staff

This latest controversy over Alphabet’s treatment of contract staff is not the first. In 2018, contract staff became the majority of Alphabet’s global workforce, leading to ongoing debates about their rights. In April, another group of contract staff employed by Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. voted to unionize. The NLRB upheld a ruling that Alphabet was a joint employer of those workers, requiring collective bargaining. However, Alphabet has indicated its refusal to negotiate with the workers, asserting that they are not their employees, resulting in a potential federal appeals court battle.

Worker Testimonies

Workers argue against the notion that Google has little control over their jobs. Laura Greene, a multimedia team leader, explains that she extensively collaborates with full-time Google employees, creating internal white papers and infographics for those directly reporting to Alphabet’s CEO. Greene utilizes Google’s proprietary systems, equipment, and tech support. Workers dispute the claim that Google’s control is minimal.

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NLRB Process

Complaints filed with the NLRB are investigated by regional officials. In the Google Help case, these officials would determine whether Alphabet qualifies as a joint employer. If the union’s claims have merit and settlement cannot be reached, the case will be prosecuted before an agency judge. The judge’s ruling could be appealed to the NLRB members in Washington DC and eventually proceed to federal appeals court.

Irrevocable Damage and Legal Rights

The job cuts, particularly the replacement of US employees with overseas workers, present concerns about the quality of content work and the loss of institutional knowledge. Tahlia Kirk emphasized that unionizing is a federally protected right that these companies should not undermine in their attempts to prevent employees from voting in the union election.

Conclusion

The Alphabet Workers Union’s accusations against Google shed light on ongoing disputes over the treatment of contract staff. Workers believe that Google acts as their joint employer, granting them significant control over their work. The NLRB process will determine the validity of these claims and the obligation of Alphabet to negotiate with the union. Despite the challenges, employees remain resolute in their pursuit of their legally protected rights.