Alphabet Works Union-CWA (AWU-CWA), a group that represents the contractors, says that this is the first time Google-affiliated workers have gone on strike. 

Why Workers Strike

Engadget says that the YouTube Music workers in Austin, Texas are striking for several reasons. 

Cognizant, the leader in the Google Ecosystem and Alphabet's subcontractor, is the one responsible for more than 40 striking workers. The group of workers says that Alphabet's current return-to-office on Feb. 6 is a threat to their safety and livelihood. They say that the $19-per-hour pay is impossible to make them afford relocation, travel, and healthcare costs. Furthermore, they state that most of them were hired to work remotely and that almost a quarter of them live outside Texas. Given the company's request for them to return to the office, some would have to bear the long hours of commuting. 

"As contract workers under Google's two-tiered system, many of us cannot afford the gas, childcare, etc. in Austin," says Sam Regan, one of the striking YouTube workers. 

For the past three years, YouTube Music workers have been working from home. They say that the company's announcement was abrupt and left them with little to no preparation. They claim that the return-to-office policy was made after they had already voted to unionize. In a statement, however, Cognizant said that the plan has been in place and communicated with the workers since December 2021. 

Workers also cited personal reasons as to why reporting to the office is not ideal for them. Some of them have medically-ill members in the household and they would have to keep them accompanied. Some also have side jobs that they would also need to devote some time to. Winning the strike would mean these workers will not just be entitled to their personal space, time, and savings; but will also create relevant changes in their families.

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Past Concerns

During the fourth quarter of 2022, it can be recalled that a group of workers at YouTube Music Content Operations already voted to unionize. A supermajority of 58 workers signed union cards in support of this. They were then calling for fair recognition and bargaining power. 

There were several reports recorded against the company giants including the failure to give employees proper pay and treatment. 

The group of workers initially partnered with AWU-CWA, informally referred to as the Google union in 2022. After this, the group has been active in supporting and organizing workers whose jobs also reserve them a seat at Google's table.

AWU-CWA Chair and software engineer at Google, Parul Koul also had the chance to welcome the group of YouTube Music workers. He then recognized the group's calls for proper compensation and the importance of them voicing their concerns. 

The call for company giants to provide their workers proper compensation is yet to be over. As long as the companies keep on turning a blind eye, workers would also keep on organizing strikes.

Related Article: YouTube Music Workers are Organizing a Union