Backers believe the "Alphabet Workers Union," which evolved from an informal group of activist employees, will better shield members from firings or other forms of retaliation. Unlike traditional labour unions in the US, the Alphabet group is a so-called "minority union" that will not be able to force the company to collectively bargain over wages or other issues. Under US labour law, Alphabet can ignore the union's demands until a majority of employees support it. In addition, the union plans to represent third-party contractors, a class of workers whose demands Alphabet also may ignore. Chewy Shaw, the Alphabet union's vice chair, said small fractions of the workforce successfully protested in recent years over workplace equity and ethical business practices.

Source: bd News24 January 05, 2021 03:11 UTC