Google staff launch union, escalating tension with leaders

Workers involved in the new union said they saw it as an extension of such efforts, one that could provide a more permanent structure to keep pressure on management, hold the company accountable for promised changes and respond to retaliation against activists. — AFP

Employees of Google and parent company Alphabet Inc announced the creation of a union on Jan 4, escalating years of confrontation between workers and management of the Internet giant.

The Alphabet Workers Union will collect dues, pay organising staff and have an elected board of directors. It will be open to all employees and contractors in North America, regardless of their role or classification, and plans to take on issues including compensation and ethical concerns such as the kinds of work Google engages in. More than 200 workers have signed up to join so far, the group said.