Facebook cafeteria workers unionize

Almost 500 Facebook cafeteria workers at the company’s California campus voted to join a union. The tech giant's campus workers often don’t make enough to live near work because of skyrocketing rents and services. “Back in the day, [my wage] would have been a great number,” said Victor, a Facebook cafeteria worker, “but because of Facebook moving in, everything is so expensive. I have to get payday loans sometimes. We barely make it.” The workers joined Unite Here Local 19. Neither Facebook nor the food service contractor opposed the union drive.

This is the latest example of Silicon Valley service workers choosing union representation. Two years ago, Facebook’s campus shuttle drivers voted to join the Teamsters. And workers across the industry are beginning to organize. Silicon Valley Rising, a labor-rights group, campaigns to raise wages, create affordable housing, and build a high tech economy that works for everyone. In addition, a group of tech workers started Tech Workers Coalition, a labor rights organization that pushes for just practices in the industry.

Links:

Facebook worker living in garage to Zuckerberg: challenges are right outside your door (The Guardian, July, 24, 2017)

Facebook drivers vote union, get wage raise, benefits (Speed Matters, Feb. 26, 2015)

Silicon Valley workers start to organize (Speed Matters, June 16, 2017)