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US Labor Board Mandates Collective Bargaining between Google and YouTube Worker Union

 |  January 7, 2024

Alphabet Inc’s Google has been found in violation of U.S. labor law by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for refusing to engage in collective bargaining with a union representing contract workers for YouTube Music. The NLRB’s decision, issued on Wednesday, rejected Google’s claims that it should not be deemed the employer of workers provided by staffing firm Cognizant Technology Solutions.

The dispute centers around a group of YouTube Music content operation workers who voted 41-0 in favor of joining the Alphabet Workers Union last April. Despite Google’s assertion that it lacked sufficient control over the contracted workers to be considered a “joint employer,” the NLRB upheld the election results in July, affirming the union’s legitimacy.

Unable to appeal decisions in election cases, Google refused to bargain with the union to bring the case back before the NLRB. In response, the NLRB stated on Wednesday that the company had not presented any new issues warranting a review.

Google, however, remains steadfast in its position. The tech giant released a statement saying it would seek a review of the ruling from a federal appeals court. The company emphasized that it does not object to Cognizant employees forming a union but believes collective bargaining should be conducted with Cognizant, as their direct employer.

Katie-Marie Marschner, a YouTube Music worker and union member, accused Google and Cognizant of making unilateral changes to working conditions without bargaining, citing examples such as mandating a return to the office and eliminating sick pay. She asserted that any future appeals by Alphabet are merely attempts to sidestep collective bargaining and prioritize shareholder and executive interests.

Read more: Google May Face Russian Fines Over Content On YouTube

This ruling is part of a broader trend of increased labor organizing within Google. In recent years, the company has faced protests from workers over various business and employment policies. In November, approximately 120 employees of Google contractor Accenture, working on artificial intelligence applications, voted to unionize. Google disputes being their joint employer and is challenging the election results.

The labor landscape for determining joint employers has been evolving since the Obama administration. A new NLRB rule set to take effect in February, challenged by major business groups, asserts that companies can be considered joint employers even when their control over working conditions is indirect, potentially impacting labor relations across various industries.

Source: Reuters

Power Industry Shake-Up: Constellation Energy to Buy Calpine in Massive $26.6B Deal Power Industry Shake-Up: Constellation Energy to Buy Calpine in Massive $26.6B Deal

Power Industry Shake-Up: Constellation Energy to Buy Calpine in Massive $26.6B Deal

 |  January 10, 2025

US-based nuclear power giant Constellation Energy has announced a landmark deal to acquire privately-held natural gas and geothermal company Calpine Corp for $16.4 billion in a move that reshapes the American energy landscape. The acquisition, one of the largest in the history of the U.S. power sector, comes at a time of surging electricity demand driven by the rapid expansion of energy-intensive technologies like artificial intelligence and the ongoing electrification of transportation and buildings.

According to Yahoo the agreement will transform Constellation into the largest independent power provider in the United States, with a diverse portfolio spanning nuclear, natural gas, and geothermal energy sources. The deal, which also includes Calpine’s debt, values the transaction at $26.6 billion.

Following the announcement, Constellation’s stock surged by as much as 10% before markets opened, with gains extending to 22% shortly after trading began. The company expects the acquisition to close in the second half of 2025. Once finalized, the merger is projected to add $2 billion in annual free cash flow, further strengthening Constellation’s financial position.

Read more: Federal Competition Office to Scrutinize High Electricity Prices in Germany

The acquisition reflects the growing urgency for reliable and sustainable energy solutions. Per Yahoo, the combined entity will boast nearly 60 gigawatts (GW) of low- and zero-emission capacity, allowing Constellation to solidify its position as a key player in the nation’s clean energy transition. CEO Joe Dominguez emphasized the critical need to meet rising energy demands, saying, “Demand for our products is expected to grow by levels we haven’t seen in a lifetime.”

The transaction significantly expands Constellation’s geographic footprint, particularly in the high-demand markets of Texas and California. With this deal, Constellation’s share of generation capacity in Texas will jump from 11% to 23%, while its presence in California will rise to 10%, up from a negligible amount. Both states rank among the most populous and energy-intensive in the country.

Aneesh Prabhu, an analyst with S&P, described the deal as transformative, noting that the merger will create “the largest coast-to-coast power generator” in the U.S. The acquisition will also boost Constellation’s workforce by 20%, adding approximately 2,750 employees to its ranks and bringing the total headcount to 16,500.

Source: Yahoo