A union representing Google employees is demanding the tech giant lift an illegal “gag order” that prevents them from discussing historical antitrust cases that could affect the company’s business.
On August 5, US District Judge Amit Mehta Ruling that Google is a “monopolist” With illegal takeover of the online search market.
The same day, Google’s president of global affairs, Kent Walker, instructed employees not to comment on the matter inside or outside the workplace.
According to a copy of the Aug. 15 filing obtained by The Post, the Alphabet workers union alleges that Walker violated federal labor law with an “excessive board direction” to “suppress employee speech” related to the antitrust fight. .
Parul Kaul said, “Our employer is displaying a blatant disregard for federal labor law and our right to discuss working conditions with coworkers – including the proposed remedy of federal antitrust actions that could cost many of our jobs at Google. Can influence.” Google software engineer and president of the Alphabet Workers Union.
Mehta is expected to decide on measures to address Google’s search monopoly by next summer.
The Justice Department recently hinted that it may seek a severance from Google Through forced disinvestment of parts of its businessSuch as its Chrome web browser.
Google rejected the union’s complaint.
“We respect Googlers’ rights to speak about their terms and conditions of employment,” Google spokesman Peter Schottenfels said in a statement. “As is standard practice, we are simply asking that employees not speak about ongoing litigation on behalf of Google without prior permission.”
The Verge was first to report On complaint.
The labor complaint is the latest sign of discord between Google and its workforce. In April, the tech giant Dozens of employees were fired Who were involved in anti-Israel protests in offices.
A separate DOJ antitrust case targeting Google’s alleged monopoly on digital advertising technology is also underway. Final arguments in that case are scheduled to begin next month.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has admitted that the company may remain stuck in court for many years fighting the cases.
In a lengthy statement, the Alphabet workers union said, “It is important that employees remain engaged and that our views and interests are considered during the decision-making process around antitrust measures.”
“This is yet to happen,” the union said.
Google has vowed to appeal the judge’s ruling and has pushed back at the DOJ’s proposed measures — calling it a “radical” framework that would go “far beyond the specific legal issues in this case.”
