Anti-union activity is heating up ahead of Google contractor's vote to unionize(m.pghcitypaper.com)
m.pghcitypaper.com
Anti-union activity is heating up ahead of Google contractor's vote to unionize
https://m.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/anti-union-activity-is-heating-up-ahead-of-google-contractors-vote-to-unionize/Content?oid=15886644
416 comments
I always wonder about these ham-handed anti-union efforts. I assume they must work to some degree, or they wouldn't do it. But it seems like the sudden escalation of anti-union arguments would only end up working in favor of the union. Because it betrays how against it they are. It confirms that yes, this union will have an effect, and not in management's favor. Like "Clearly we're onto something here if they oppose it this much."
Should replace Google with HCL. The actual employer and one lobbying against unionization
Good, if unions can make it less appealing for Google to hire less temp, vendors, and contractors, they might hire more full time employees. There's already a chasm forming between TVCs and FTEs. It's only going to grow bigger.
"HCL employee and union organizer Ben Gwin says HCL workers make between $30,000-60,000 a year, and it varies widely."
That's really low. I wonder what kind of work they do for Google.
That's really low. I wonder what kind of work they do for Google.
I don't understand how a contractor unionizing gives them any more power over Google. Either which way they are a contractor and have to negotiate a contract. This article seems to imply the workers have an issue with Google, but unionizing just gives them power over HCL. So are they not happy with HCL?
Maybe this is the way it shapes out - the contractors of the new economy are equivalent to the hourly worker in the old economy, the perm people management. The contractors have representation from a union, and the perm people, none.
We should all unionize IMHO
"HCL itself would be violating the National Labor Relations Board law if the company fired workers for forming a union, but Gyrgo is concerned the union can’t protect them from the work they do with Google, since they don’t actually work for Google."
In other words:
Google won't be violating the law if the company fired workers for forming a union because they will be doing so using a proxy organization as a scapegoat. This in effect allows them to circumvent the law referenced above.
Complete horseshit
In other words:
Google won't be violating the law if the company fired workers for forming a union because they will be doing so using a proxy organization as a scapegoat. This in effect allows them to circumvent the law referenced above.
Complete horseshit
I wonder to what extent the the thirst for a union could be quenched if the compensation of all members of a company were to be made public and always updated.
If management wants to maintain direct negotiation with their staff, they must eliminate information asymmetry.
If management wants to maintain direct negotiation with their staff, they must eliminate information asymmetry.
Is there a good place to learn about what unionizing tech workers will do/is trying to accomplish? Also, isn’t being a contingent worker an implicit contract that you are willing to give up benefits and (in many cases theoretical) stability for a higher hourly rate? Obviously I don’t/can’t speak for everyone but my spouse has the full time job and insurance and I grind it out to pad the bottom line. If widespread unionization happens I don’t see any way that my take home pay will increase.
Union tech is a very interesting startup idea. How do union organizers keep track of members, handle dues, plan, and communicate?
I wouldn't worry too much. Good working conditions are a boon to both the employer and the employee. A good union will negotiate that to the benefit of both. The reason is simple. If union negotiations lead to worse profits, then employees risk the whole business toppling, and then everyone loses. However, too much job security can actually make it harder to get a new job, once you need it, as it makes it harder to fire underperforming employees. The net effect of it, are employers who are extremely picky and careful about hiring anyone new, which is pretty muh bad for the whole economy.
HCL is an Indian outsourcing company and they will do everything in their power (paying off politicians) to quash this.
Really unions for Tech works from IT services companies. God bless tech industry.
Not good for anyone.
Not good for anyone.
To really make a dent, put a stop to H1B. It is an unnecessary program. All people doing work here should be citizens or green card holders. The employer should not have any say about this or sway over the employees about their status. People should be free to choose their employer and change their employer without entanglement of H1B.
Before there were proper labor laws unions served a purpose, now it's more self-serving to the coffers and political power of the union itself. What should be equal is tipped in the unions favor at the detriment of the company. I think that's wrong.
Where are the anti-HR movements I ask, only half jokingly?
I sort of shocked contractors at Google want a union. Typically contractors make more in total comp than full time employees. I suspect this is not the case there, but in general it’s true.
So is "pro-union activity". Of course when an important vote is about to happen, the campaigns on either side of that vote will make their case.
It's funny how progressive everyone is until it impacts their bottom line.
USW is completely the wrong union for representing Tech Workers.
This will not turn out well for the Workers. The USW membership dues will start at $100+ per month and go to strike funds, Lawyers, Representatives, and Stewards who have their own self-interests in mind.
This is basically just paying protection money to thugs.
EDIT: For those downvoting, perhaps you'd care to kindly suggest a better union for this cause?
This will not turn out well for the Workers. The USW membership dues will start at $100+ per month and go to strike funds, Lawyers, Representatives, and Stewards who have their own self-interests in mind.
This is basically just paying protection money to thugs.
EDIT: For those downvoting, perhaps you'd care to kindly suggest a better union for this cause?