Could a new effort by U.S. legislators change the game in terms of how big tech companies manage their labor forces?
U.S. lawmakers want to hold Google accountable for its labor practices.
A letter sent out July 25 takes aim at Google’s use of independent contractors and temp workers, of which the company employs over 120,000. That’s 19,000 more people than the company has on its roles as regular full-time employees.
Addressing Lack of Parity
The letter, addressed to Google CEO Sundar Pichai in Mountain View, California, cites New York Times reporting showing that the use of temporary and contract workers is a long-term strategy.
“Temporary workers and independent contractors are by definition intended for short-term and non-core work, and we urge Google to end any abuse of these worker classifications and treat all Google workers equally,” wrote the senators.
The signatories also contrast Pichai’s personal compensation at over $400 million saying that this disparity “makes it that much more difficult to stomach the mistreatment of these workers.”
Part of this “mistreatment,” according to the signers, is the inferior healthcare and paid parental leave given to Google’s full-time employees in contrast to what full-timers get.
Demands for Fairness
The letter lays out some technical requests, including the prohibition of financial disincentives to transitioning, wage and benefit parity for independent contractors and temps, and a ban on mandatory nondisclosure agreements related to work conditions.
Signers include presidential hopefuls Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris, along with Sherrod Brown, Patty Murray, Edward Markey, and others.
Changes at Google
In response, Google is caving somewhat, according to CNET — reporting shows Google is outlining full benefits provisions for temporary and contract workers set to go into effect at the beginning of 2020. Specifically, the benefits would include both health benefits and paid parental leave on parity, along with a $15 minimum wage.
