Contractors of YouTube Music have officially unionized, resulting in overwhelming votes with 41 workers voted in favor out of a total of 49 eligible voters. The workers will join the Alphabet Workers Union-Communications Workers America, a group that represents all Alphabet-affiliated workers choosing to organize.
(Photo : SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)
Subcontracted YouTube Music workers employed by Alphabets outsourcing partner Cognizant strike outside Google's office in Austin, Texas, on February 3, 2023. - The workers went on strike because of what they say are unfair labor practices.
Voting to Unionize
YouTube Music contractors have won their landmark election after voting to unionize with the Alphabet Workers Union-CWA. TechCrunch reported that this resulted in overwhelming votes through the National Labor Relations, with 41 voting in favor out of a total of 49 eligible voters. Meanwhile, nobody voted against the union as the remaining eight workers did not participate.
The overwhelming votes were described as a historic moment as it could represent Alphabet's first time negotiating directly with a labor group. Google must bargain with the workers from YouTube Music to approve their union contract, as per the ruling.
The company has been adamant with these contractors are employed by Cognizant, meaning that they are the ones who are responsible for their working conditions. Both companies have until May 3rd to file their respective objections towards the landmark election. The results will be certified once the election has not received any objections from both companies.
Alphabet's Response
Business Insider reported that Alphabet responded to its stance towards contract workers in a statement after the election. As per the company's spokesperson, Alphabet has no objection to these "Cognizant workers" electing to form a union.
"We've long had many contracts with unionized suppliers. However, as we made clear in our active appeal to the NLRB, we are not a joint employer as we simply do not control their employment terms or working conditions," the spokesperson added. The company firmly believes that this matter only revolves between the workers and Cognizant as their employer.
Meanwhile, Cognizant also responded in an email and stated that they were informed by the NLRV that a majority of their associates voted in support of unionizing. The employer noted, "Our philosophy remains that we are better together through open dialogue and collaboration. We are committed to continuing our mission as a team and delivering for our clients."
Also Read: YouTube Music Workers Filed for Union Recognition in Austin, Texas
During the first day of strike, workers fought as their employer was forcing them to follow the return-to-office mandate, ending the remote work before the vote. The employees felt this was unfair as some of the employees were hired remotely, with about a quarter of them not based in the Texas office.
In Cognizant's defense, employees had been reminded by the company about this mandate since December 2021 with these roles being accepted by the employees with the knowledge that it would not be always remote.
Aside from this, Vice reported that employees were only paid $19 per hour, which is not enough if they were able to follow the mandated RTO. Their budget will not be enough for the relocation, travel, and health care costs associated with every employee in the company.
Related Article: YouTube Music Workers Strike Over Unfair Labor Practices
