Google DeepMind Staff Push for Union Vote, UK Government to Help

At a glance

A UK tech union says the government will help run a union ballot at Google UK for Google DeepMind staff. The campaign seeks representation for at least 1,000 London-based workers. No vote date has been set yet.

Key points

1. 1

   Management refused voluntary union recognition but agreed to keep talks going through the Acas arbitration service.

2. 2

   Staff also want an end to the use of Google AI by the Israeli and US militaries and a ban on building AI weapons or surveillance tools.

3. 3

   If workers vote yes, the company and union must set up a joint bargaining committee. If they vote no, the union cannot apply again for three years.

Why it matters

Staff at a leading AI research lab are pushing to shape working conditions and ethical limits on AI development, so the outcome could affect how such companies operate.