YouTube Music Contractors Laid Off Amid Union-Busting Hearings, Workers Allege
• YouTube Music contract workers were abruptly laid off while testifying to city council about union-busting allegations against Google and contractor Cognizant.
• Workers claim they were made to train overseas replacements before getting laid off with just 30 minutes notice. Google and Cognizant deny ordering layoffs.
• The workers voted to unionize last April but allege Google and Cognizant avoided bargaining with them. Unfair labor practice charges have been filed.
• A Cognizant spokesperson challenged referring to the workers as "workers" and claims they are now part of a "talent pool," not laid off.
• One worker believes tech contractors are struggling with low pay and benefits amid high inflation, motivating more to unionize for better treatment.