Google Cancels Contract Of Team That Went On Strike Against The Company

HIGHLIGHTS: Google has reportedly fired a team of contractors who went on a union strike against the company. According to a report from The Verge. The Alphabet Workers Union-CWA, which represents YouTube Music's contractors, claims Google terminated its contract after a lengthy strike.

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The affected group consisted of moderators from Cognizant, a Google contractor in Austin, Texas, who was responsible for reviewing music content on YouTube Music.

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In a statement provided to The Verge, Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini said the decision to terminate the team's contract was made by her Cognizant and Google had no involvement in it. Mencini emphasized that "contracts with suppliers across the country typically expire at their original expiration dates."

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Last February, more than 40 members of her team lost their jobs at her Google workplace. A strike was launched to demand a review of the reinstatement policy. The union stressed that many teleworkers are paid as little as $19 an hour, making being in the office a financial burden.

Cognizant Chief Communications Officer Jeff Demarais told The Verge in an email that affected employees will be given seven weeks of pay and the opportunity to move into another role at Cognizant. he said.

Previously, Google had argued that it had no obligation to bargain with its employees because they were not direct employees of Google.

However, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) determined in March 2023 that Google qualifies as a part-time employer because Google controls benefits, hours of work, and the nature of the contractor's work. handed down a judgment. Despite Google's appeal, the NLRB upheld the decision in January. The tech giant is reserving the option of appealing to federal court.

Jack Benedict, a building contractor and union member, expressed regret at the situation and told The Verge: We have fought for years to negotiate with Google, one of the most powerful and best-resourced companies in the world, so that we can earn a living in exchange for work that improves Google's products. I'm here. 

It is despicable that Google has chosen this path in the face of employees' modest demands for fair treatment in the workplace. ”