Google workers met with the DOJ over potential company breakup

For some time now, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has been pursuing an antitrust case against Google. The Mountain View giant has already had a few unfavorable rulings. One of the authorities’ proposals is to “break up” the company, splitting certain key divisions into independent organizations. Amidst all this, a union of Google workers has met with the DOJ to raise some concerns about the matter.

Google workers express concerns to the DOJ about their situation ahead of the final ruling

Initially, the possibility of Google separating some key divisions seemed like the most improbable. After all, such a decision would bring massive changes to the company’s structure. Even the tech industry would notice the changes, whether for better or worse. However, lately, there has been repeated talk about this scenario. While nothing has been decided yet, it now seems a bit more possible than it was before.

Google employees are also aware of the huge change that breaking up the company could bring. Possibilities range from notable changes in their positions, modifications in working conditions, or even potential job loss. So, at a meeting on October 23, three members of the Alphabet Workers Union (AWU) had a video conference with representatives of the DOJ Antitrust Division.

The meeting aimed to remind authorities that any decision they make will impact the employees. Therefore, they insist on having their voices heard before. “Our approach is really coming out of a sense of, ‘no decisions about us, without us,’” said Parul Koul, president of the AWU and a software engineer at Google.

Google reportedly discouraged employees from expressing their concerns publicly

The initial proposal from the authorities to “break up” Google involves separating it from the Chrome and Android divisions. There are also less problematic proposals that involve changes to contractual terms or the data licensing policy. According to The Verge’s report, AWU representatives said that Google has tried to discourage them from speaking out “both internally and externally.” Google spokesperson Peter Schottenfels responded by stating that the company was “simply asking that employees not speak about ongoing litigation on behalf of Google without prior approval.”

However, employees did not take it so well and filed an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board in early 2024. Another concern for Google employees is potential retaliation for sharing their concerns. Parul Koul says they are aware of the “inherent risk in having these conversations and advocating for ourselves.” However, they feel it is important to make sure that they are “part of the conversation.” After all, their employment situation could also be at stake.

A new refined solution proposal to arrive soon

It’s noteworthy that the union is neither for nor against the proposal to break up Google. Their real concern is to be protected from any decision made by the authorities or Google. Anyway, the DOJ will present a modified version of the proposed solution next week.