Contract workers who analyze data for Google’s YouTube Music platform scored a victory in their fight for fair treatment, as the National Labor Relations Board ruled the tech behemoth must collectively bargain with their small union.
The analysts, employed by outsourcing firm Cognizant but working directly under Google’s supervision, joined the Alphabet Workers Union last year seeking better protections. As the pandemic pushed work remote, the workers demanded compensation, reflecting soaring costs of childcare and commuting in their new arrangements.
But Google washed its hands of responsibility, insisting negotiations were only between the employees and Cognizant. The subcontractor likewise denied any errors in how it handled the unionization.
The labor board saw through these excuses, determining Google plays the leading role over the analysts and co-determines their employment terms with Cognizant. As the first line checking YouTube’s recommendation formulas, the workers were right to demand Google negotiate at the table.
Unhappy with this finding, Google vowed an appeal, still pretending it bore no duty though wielding control. Katie-Marie Marschner from the union blasted this strategy as merely shielding corporate lucre rather than dealing fairly. The NLRB directive demands Google come to terms with bargaining in good faith, as laws require of joint employers.
How the saga concludes will impact the growing “gig economy” and whether employees can band together against the technology lords dominating our lives. For now, David has handed Goliath a stinging rebuke.
