UK Google DeepMind employees vote to unionize over its AI defense deals

In a significant move, employees at Google DeepMind's UK offices have voted in favor of unionizing, driven by concerns regarding the company's collaborations with the Israeli government and the Pentagon on defense projects. If the unionization succeeds, DeepMind will become the first AI research lab under Google to form a union. The decision comes shortly after the Pentagon confirmed its agreements with Google and several other AI labs for classified military operations. Employees have expressed worries that these contracts could lead to the deployment of Google's technologies in autonomous weapons systems and large-scale surveillance of civilians in the United States. Union advocates are also calling for the termination of a $1.2 billion deal established in 2021, known as Project Nimbus, which involves providing cloud services to the Israeli government. This deal has faced backlash from staff, culminating in protests, including a notable sit-in that resulted in the termination of 50 employees last year. Approximately 1,000 workers from the London office would be represented by the union if the initiative proceeds successfully. DeepMind, which is primarily based in King's Cross, London, has a workforce of around 6,000 employees worldwide, with many based in the U.S. and other regions in Europe. The unionization effort was highlighted in a letter sent to management requesting recognition of the Communication Workers Union and Unite the Union. This letter was first reported by The Guardian. Employees are also contemplating in-person protests and strikes, where they would temporarily cease work to focus on developing core AI technologies. In the past week, over 600 Google employees urged CEO Sundar Pichai to refrain from signing agreements with the Pentagon for classified projects. Alphabet’s global affairs president, Kent Walker, responded in a letter asserting the company’s longstanding cooperation with defense agencies while emphasizing a commitment to responsible practices in national security. Google DeepMind's management has been given a deadline of 10 working days to recognize the union voluntarily, or else face potential legal actions for recognition by the organizers.