DeepMind UK Unionization Effort | Google AI Team
DeepMind Employees in London Pursue Unionization
Approximately 300 employees of Google’s DeepMind, based in London, are taking steps to form a union with the Communication Workers Union. This information stems from a report by the Financial Times, referencing three individuals actively involved in the unionization process.
Concerns Driving the Unionization Effort
Reportedly, the impetus for this action is dissatisfaction among DeepMind staff regarding Google’s removal of a previous commitment. This pledge had previously prohibited the utilization of artificial intelligence in the development of weaponry or surveillance technologies.
Further fueling these concerns is the company’s collaboration with the Israeli military. Specifically, a $1.2 billion cloud computing contract has sparked demonstrations within other divisions of Google.
Employee Sentiment and Departures
According to one source who spoke with the Financial Times, members of the DeepMind team feel they were misled. Internal communications suggest that at least five DeepMind employees have resigned from their positions, citing these ethical concerns as the reason for their departure.
DeepMind currently employs around 2,000 individuals throughout the United Kingdom.
Google’s Response
A representative from Google stated to the Financial Times that the company values and promotes “constructive and open dialogue with all of our employees.”
Previous Unionization Attempts
It’s worth noting that a smaller group, consisting of roughly 200 employees of Google and its parent company, Alphabet, had previously announced their intention to unionize.
However, due to its limited membership representing a small fraction of the overall Google workforce, that union lacked the capacity to engage in collective bargaining.
Key Issues at a Glance
- Removal of AI ethics pledge regarding weapons and surveillance.
- Concerns over a $1.2 billion contract with the Israeli military.
- Employee resignations due to ethical disagreements.
- Previous, smaller unionization effort within Google.
