Congratulations on navigating the first week of 2021. Beyond the political landscape, several noteworthy events unfolded in the world of labor. Additionally, I recently spoke with Dr. Timnit Gebru, a leading researcher in AI ethics, who shared her account of her departure from Google last month following concerns she raised regarding diversity. A complete recording of our discussion will be available on the next episode of TC Mixtape, launching next Saturday, with excerpts presented below.

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Google and Alphabet Employees Form Union

Earlier this week, over 200 workers from Google and Alphabet announced the establishment of the Alphabet Workers Union. Supported by the Communication Workers of America Union’s Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA), the union welcomes both employees and contractors located in the United States and Canada.

As of this weekend, 690 workers have pledged their support for the union, committing to contribute 1% of their annual income towards union dues. These funds will be utilized to provide compensation for lost earnings in the event of a work stoppage. The majority of those who have signed on are situated in offices within the San Francisco Bay Area and in Cambridge.

It’s important to note that the Alphabet Workers Union operates in a somewhat unconventional manner. The primary aim of this union is not necessarily to engage in collective bargaining with Alphabet’s companies, but rather to collaborate towards shared objectives.

Department of Labor Issues Ruling Regarding Gig Workers

The U.S. Department of Labor released a final rule concerning gig workers earlier this week. Effective March 8, 2021, this rule simplifies the process for companies in the gig economy, such as Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart, to legally categorize workers as independent contractors nationwide. 

However, the full implementation of this rule remains uncertain given the upcoming change in presidential administration, with Joe Biden set to be inaugurated on January 20, 2021. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, Biden spokesperson Jen Psaki indicated that this labor rule is among those Biden might halt or postpone upon taking office. 

Independent Drivers Guild Expands to Chicago

Rideshare drivers in Chicago have joined forces with the Independent Drivers Guild to establish a local chapter of the drivers’ advocacy organization. IDG, which is associated with the Machinists Union, has a history of championing the rights of rideshare drivers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

“IDG overcame challenges to secure increased pay and benefits for drivers in New York City, and by working together, we are confident we can achieve the same results here in Chicago,” stated Steven Everett, a Chicago rideshare driver-organizer.

Future Plans for Dr. Timnit Gebru

Many are familiar with Dr. Timnit Gebru, who recently left Google after voicing concerns about diversity within the field of artificial intelligence. Google maintains that Gebru resigned and they simply accepted her resignation, while Gebru asserts that she was terminated by Google. 

I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Gebru on Wednesday to discuss her future endeavors and recent developments in the tech labor movement.

Regarding the Alphabet Workers Union:

Concerning the pursuit of severance:

“I don’t know if I’m going to, you know, explain to you exactly what I’m thinking right now about that,” she commented, adding that “I definitely have legal counsel.”

On the prospect of returning to a tech company

Before her time at Google, Dr. Gebru held positions at Apple and Microsoft. While she intends to continue her work in artificial intelligence ethics and with Black in AI, Dr. Gebru expressed that “it’s very difficult for me to envision rejoining a corporation at this time.”

She envisions establishing an organization or non-profit that replicates the work of the ethical AI team at Google during her leadership, but operates independently of any corporate entity.

“We aim to develop technology that also serves our needs, rather than constantly reacting to existing systems,” she explained. “That is the core principle behind Black in AI.”