The week began with news concerning a GitHub employee who was terminated following an advisory to colleagues in the Washington D.C. region to exercise caution due to the presence of extremist groups during the attack on the U.S. Capitol building. Simultaneously, Facebook established a new leadership position focused on civil rights issues, and California’s Proposition 22 encountered its initial legal opposition this year.

These developments and others are covered in this week’s installment of Human Capital.

Facebook Appoints Vice President of Civil Rights

Facebook has engaged Roy Austin to fill the newly created position of Vice President of Civil Rights and Deputy General Counsel, establishing a dedicated civil rights team internally. Mr. Austin is scheduled to begin his role on January 19th and will be stationed in Washington, D.C.

Previously, Austin practiced law as a civil rights attorney at Harris, Wiltshire & Grannis LLP. Before this, he participated in the creation of a report focusing on the intersection of big data and civil rights, and he collaborated with the Task Force on 21st Century Policing during the administration of President Barack Obama.

Legal Challenge Filed Against Proposition 22, Questioning its Validity

In California, a coalition of rideshare drivers and the Service Employees International Union have initiated legal action, claiming Proposition 22 is inconsistent with the state’s constitution. The primary aim of this lawsuit is to invalidate Prop 22, the legislation that categorizes gig economy workers as independent contractors within California.

This legal challenge, submitted to the California Supreme Court, contends that Prop 22 impedes the state legislature’s ability to establish and maintain a workers’ compensation framework for those employed in the gig economy. Furthermore, the suit asserts that Prop 22 infringes upon the principle requiring ballot measures to address only one subject, and also improperly establishes criteria for what constitutes an amendment to the proposition itself. Currently, Prop 22 stipulates that any changes to the measure require a substantial seven-eighths majority vote in the legislature.

Top tech employers recognized by Glassdoor

Glassdoor has published its yearly assessment of the leading companies for employment in 2021. We have highlighted the top 10 technology-focused companies from both the large enterprise category (1,000+ staff) and the small-to-medium enterprise category.

Even with recent reports concerning unfair dismissals and requests for improved work environments, Google secured the number three position among the best tech companies to work for, and Facebook was ranked fifth. 

Netflix Publishes Initial Diversity Report

While Netflix has previously disclosed similar data, this marks the first time the company has compiled and released a comprehensive report of this nature.

Globally, women comprise 47.1% of the Netflix employee base. Looking at representation since 2017, there has been a gradual decrease in the proportion of white and Asian employees, alongside a corresponding increase in the representation of Hispanic or Latinx, Black, multiracial, and Indigenous individuals. Within the United States, Netflix’s workforce is 8.1% Hispanic or Latinx, 8% Black, and 5.1% identifies as mixed race. Additionally, 1.3% of U.S. employees are of Native American, Native Alaskan, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or Middle Eastern/North African descent.

Github experiences criticism following the dismissal of a Jewish staff member after a remark concerning Nazis

Following the events of January 6th, when supporters of then-President Trump disrupted the U.S. Capitol, a GitHub employee expressed concern for colleagues located in the Washington D.C. region. In a discussion with TechCrunch, the individual, who is no longer with the company, explained his genuine worry extended to both his coworkers and his Jewish relatives. 

TechCrunch has agreed to withhold the identity of the terminated employee to safeguard his well-being and that of his family.

The former employee stated that after posting a message on Slack stating, “stay safe homies, Nazis are about,” a colleague expressed disapproval, suggesting the language was inappropriate for the workplace. He reported being dismissed from his position two days later, with a representative from human resources citing a “pattern of behavior that is not conducive to company policy” as the reason for the termination, according to his account.

The terminated employee is now consulting with legal professionals to secure protection for his family and to explore potential legal recourse, including damages or other forms of resolution. He indicated that GitHub has contacted him to assist with an internal investigation, but he is delaying engagement until he has secured legal counsel.

The complete report can be found here.

Dropbox Announces Workforce Reduction of 315 Employees

Dropbox has reduced its employee base by 11%, resulting in the departure of 315 individuals worldwide. In a message addressed to staff, Chief Executive Officer Drew Houston explained that the company’s requirements for on-site assistance have decreased as a result of the move towards remote operations, leading to a decision to lessen investment in this area and reallocate those funds towards advancing the company’s planned product development.

Houston’s communication indicated that these adjustments are intended to enhance Dropbox’s operational effectiveness and agility throughout the current year.

Apple Initiates Programs Focused on Racial Justice and Equity

Apple has announced several significant initiatives as part of its $100 million pledge to advance racial equity and justice. 

Initially, Apple is dedicating $25 million to the Propel Center, a hub designed to foster innovation and learning at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Apple personnel will contribute to curriculum development and provide guidance to students as part of this investment. 

Furthermore, Apple will establish a developer academy in Detroit, specifically aimed at supporting young Black entrepreneurs, in partnership with Michigan State University. The company anticipates serving approximately 1,000 students annually through this Detroit-based program.

Apple has also allocated $10 million to Harlem Capital, a venture capital firm, $25 million to Siebert Williams Shank’s Clear Vision Impact Fund, and provided a financial contribution to The King Center, the amount of which has not been publicly disclosed.

Amazon fulfillment center employees set to decide on union representation beginning next month

The National Labor Relations Board has announced that a ballot vote by mail for employees at the Amazon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama will take place from February 8th through March 29th. These employees will be voting on whether to be represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. The proposed group for collective bargaining encompasses approximately 6,000 individuals, including both full-time and part-time hourly associates involved in fulfilling orders, in addition to numerous seasonal employees.