The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) designated Google and contractor Accenture Flex as joint employers for remote content workers. This ruling compels Google to formally bargain with the Alphabet Workers Union-CWA Local 9009.
The decision ends a dispute where Google refused to negotiate, claiming it was not the direct employer. The board rejected Google’s attempt to relitigate its status, ruling the matter was settled in the original representation proceeding.
This ruling may impact how Alphabet manages its extensive network of temporary and contract staff. The shift could increase labor costs and operational responsibilities for this portion of the workforce.