A trade union is an organised group of workers who act together to improve their working conditions. Instead of each person negotiating alone — where the employer holds all the power — a union lets workers make collective demands with a unified voice. UK law gives this collective power a legal framework and protections: under Trade Union Law, workers have the legal right to organise, bargain together, and take action to back up their demands.

You can join our union UTAW-CWU here.

Which unions are operating at Google?

There are two unions operating at Google: Unite and UTAW (the Tech Workers branch of the Communication Workers Union). We are working together for joint legal recognition, but only UTAW is actively campaigning on Googlers demands on ethics and transparency, job automation and clean energy.

Why should I join?

To negotiate with your employer on the matters you care about.

Single employees are powerless, but a union's strength is its collective negotiating power.

To have a say in improving your workplace. Every member has a voice and a vote in setting demands.

Your union's agenda is not decided by a handful of reps — it is decided democratically by Googlers. If there is something that matters to you, joining is how you get it on the table. Our current demands focus on better AI principles and safeguards, transparency, job automation and clean energy, but you can help us shape them.

To be ready for the time when you'll need strong representation.

redundancy, disciplinary action, a dispute with management — these things can happen to anyone, often without warning. Union members have access to experienced reps who represent them in hearings, and legal support to navigate an otherwise overwhelming process. For individual rep support the issue must have started after your first eight weeks of membership. Access to advice and our free legal helpline is available from day 1 of membership.

To make employees' negotiation power stronger.

The more members we have, the stronger our case for recognition, the broader the issues we can negotiate on, and the harder we are to ignore. Every new member makes the union more powerful and increases the chances to improve Google for all our colleagues.

It takes five minutes to join. It could make all the difference when it matters.

Why do I need to pay a membership fee?

When you register you will be asked to pay a small monthly membership fee (£8.70 a month). This modest contribution covers the costs of running the union: trained professionals who help workers organise, give legal advice, and plan socials.

In return, you get access to the full benefits of membership: legal support and representation if you ever need it, a vote in shaping the union's demands, and the protection of the law behind you. We also offer training to better learn your rights and much more. Details for training will be in your welcome email when you join.

Members also benefit from a range of discounts and perks, covering shopping, motoring, health and wellbeing, travel, family days out and insurance — including discounted supermarket vouchers, free cinema tickets, discounted gym memberships, discounted insurance rates, hotel, travel and experience benefits, and deals on car breakdown services. Don’t forget to check them out if you join!

Is membership anonymous?

Yes. Your data is safe. The information you provide on registration is used for verification purposes only, held securely, and never shared with your employer. You can join and remain completely anonymous — the employer will never know you are a member.

For more information about anonymity and members’ legal protection, check our FAQ page.

Who can join?

UTAW membership is open to UK-based employees. Unfortunately, contractors and colleagues outside the UK (like in the US) aren’t eligible to join this recognition campaign, but they can join our sister union AWU.