As Google faces a potential breakup following a landmark antitrust ruling, its workers are stepping into the spotlight, calling for their rights and voices to be central to the process. In a significant move, three members of the Alphabet Workers Union-CWA (AWU-CWA) met with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division on October 23rd to share their concerns. Their primary message: any remedy to dismantle Google’s monopoly must prioritize protections for employees, empowering them to speak out without fear of retaliation.

Judge Amit Mehta recently ruled that Google holds an illegal monopoly in online search. This has paved the way for remedies ranging from spinning off major divisions like Chrome and Android to implementing contractual and data-sharing requirements. While the DOJ has not finalized its proposals, the prospect of such sweeping changes has created uncertainty for Google’s vast workforce.

Google employees say the company has discouraged internal discussion about the antitrust case. A directive from Kent Walker, Google’s President of Global Affairs, reportedly urged staff to avoid commenting on the litigation. While Google claims this was standard policy to prevent unapproved statements on its behalf, the AWU-CWA argues it stifles legally protected discussions about job security and working conditions. This directive led the union to file an unfair labor practices charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), highlighting what they see as a pattern of retaliation against employees who raise concerns.

During their meeting with the DOJ, AWU-CWA representatives emphasized that remedies could fail if employees are not free to express concerns. Workers fear that retaliatory actions, such as layoffs or altered job roles, could accompany the proposed breakup. “No decisions about us, without us,” said Parul Koul, the union president, reflecting their demand to be included in shaping the outcome of any restructuring.

Google has faced repeated accusations of suppressing worker voices. Past protests against issues like harassment and unethical business practices have reportedly been met with retaliation, including layoffs or career stagnation. This history amplifies concerns that Google may not engage constructively with its employees during this critical period.

What’s next?

The DOJ is expected to refine its remedy proposal in the coming weeks. Workers are pushing for robust protections to ensure their rights to discuss workplace changes are upheld. Meanwhile, the NLRB’s investigation into the union’s complaints could set a precedent for how Big Tech companies handle internal dissent during high-stakes legal battles.

This clash underscores the broader implications of antitrust actions: beyond reshaping markets, they directly impact the lives and livelihoods of workers. The DOJ’s decisions will not only test the effectiveness of antitrust enforcement but also the resilience of worker advocacy in the tech industry.