Google Layoffs 43 Employees from YouTube Music Team During Worker Protest
YouTube Music Finally Receives Multi-Select Feature On Its Web App | Digit
Cognizant Cuts YouTube Music Staff as City Considers Google Bargaining Resolution
Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS), a tech services company that supplies staff to major tech firms, laid off 43 employees in Austin, Texas. These workers were previously contracted to YouTube Music, a subsidiary of Google.
The company cited the expiration of a contract as the reason for the layoffs. However, the timing raises concerns as it comes just before a crucial vote on a resolution by the Austin City Council. The resolution urges Google to negotiate with the affected workers, who recently formed a union.
Unionization Efforts and Layoffs Collide
The Worker Agency, a workers’ rights group, claims that at least some of the laid-off employees were part of a successful unionization drive in late 2022.
“This is a devastating blow,” said union member Jack Benedict. “We were fighting for basic fairness from Google, a company that can afford it. Now, many are left without jobs.”
Google, however, maintains it doesn’t directly control employment terms for Cognizant workers. A spokesperson pointed out that contracts with suppliers expire routinely.
Limited Transparency on Workflows
Cognizant hasn’t confirmed if this layoff targeted only union members. Additionally, the company doesn’t announce new contracts, making it difficult to assess overall staffing trends.
Last year, Cognizant conducted similar layoffs at Apple and Meta’s Austin offices. While such workforce reductions are reported to state officials, Cognizant remains silent on new contract acquisitions.
Concerns Over Worker Welfare
The laid-off YouTube Music employees reportedly ensured content availability and approval for the platform’s 80 million subscribers. According to union representatives, these workers earned at least $19 per hour with minimal benefits, falling short of Austin’s recently raised living wage of $20.80.
Austin City Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, a co-sponsor of the Google bargaining resolution, emphasized the importance of supporting the city’s creative workforce.
The timing and context surrounding these layoffs raise questions about Cognizant’s practices and Google’s responsibility towards contracted workers. As Austin considers the resolution, the fight for fair treatment in the tech sector continues.
