Google accused of violating labor law by imposing antitrust lawsuit ‘gag order’

Google has been accused of violating labor law in the US. The search giant is facing a lawsuit for allegedly imposing an antitrust lawsuit gag order on its workers.

Workers to “refrain” from discussing Search antitrust case

Google is engaged in multiple litigations. Moreover, US District Court Judge Amit Mehta recently issued his decision, essentially labeling Google as an illegal monopoly.

Google, and its parent company Alphabet, risk having to break up the company if such observations keep on coming. Perhaps as a precautionary measure, after Judge Mehta issued his decision, Google’s president of global affairs Kent Walker sent an email to Alphabet’s employees.

According to The Verge, the email directs employees to “please refrain from commenting on this case, both internally and externally.” A similar email was sent out at the beginning of the trial last year.

Alphabet Workers Union has accused Google of violating labor law

Following the email, the Alphabet Workers Union has reportedly accused Google of violating labor law. The union’s representatives have filed a charge against Google with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

The NLRB might seriously consider Walker’s email as a gag order. Actions such as discussing working conditions are protected by labor law. However, the email’s words could be interpreted as cautious and not infringing, implied Google spokesperson Peter Schottenfels,

“We respect Googlers’ rights to speak about their terms and conditions of employment. As is standard practice, we’re simply asking that employees not speak about ongoing litigation on behalf of Google without prior approval.”

It is important to note that Walker did not categorically prohibit employees from speaking about the antitrust case. However, the email might not be considered as general guidance. Instead, it could be a thinly veiled threat. Google employees are not to talk about the case or else they could risk getting in trouble. Employees could be under the impression that they might also lose future opportunities.

The NLRB has accepted the complaint. However, it usually takes about two weeks to determine if the charges merit an investigation. If the NLRB feels the complaint is valid, it could lead to a case before an administrative law judge but only if the government chooses to pursue it.