The Joint Unite & UTAW Google organising committee has formally launched its campaign to secure joint union recognition for Googlers working in the UK.
Both Unite & the CWU UTAW branch have agreed to work together in the interests of Googlers.
This campaign is supported by officials from both unions, but it is first and foremost a campaign run by Googlers, for Googlers.
Following the mass layoffs of 2023, the ongoing re-orgs and concerns about the GRAD, comp and disciplinary/grievance processes, Googlers need a meaningful, effective and genuinely independent collective voice to negotiate and consult with management.
In the UK only trade unions can provide this collective voice.
What can I do?
Google employees can sign the petition in support of union recognition at Google UK:
Unite the Union & the Communication Workers Union (UTAW Branch) are asking your employer to recognise it for collective bargaining.
We have to show the Central Arbitration Committee that a majority of workers favour our joint application. If you want your employer to recognise Unite & the CWU for collective bargaining covering Pay, Hours & Holidays, please sign the petition.
Got questions?
This FAQ addresses some common questions Googlers are asking. We cover the following questions in the FAQ:
- What is union recognition?
- Why is union recognition important?
- How would the negotiations work?
- Does this mean everyone in a given role would get paid the same?
- Don’t we already have a Googler Forum?
- How do we get union recognition?
- What are the bargaining units in Google?
- Which union would be recognised?
- Isn’t recognition for just pay, hours & holidays too limiting?
- Will I get laid off if I sign the petition?
- Are you going to expect me to go out on strike and lose pay / be unpopular?
- How will my union membership fee be spent? What is the relationship between the unions and political parties?
- How does this affect Googlers in other countries?
- How will union recognition affect health and safety within Google?
- Will union recognition stop me raising concerns and discussing things directly with my manager?