(Not in the USA but in Bulgaria)
Let’s start by saying that I work in customer support for a company that employs us full time but then subcontract us to other companies.
In my case I’m a contractor for one of the GAFAM companies (I don’t think I can say exactly what product for legal reasons) and in our project they just announced to some people (and will inform the rest of them in the next few days) that a lot of workers will be fired as they are introducing more AI support (which is obviously worse for the customer, i’ve seen the tests they are doing) starting from next month.
I’m not sure this is enough time to fight to create a union especially considering how past fights to unionize as contractors for this company went (We would likely loose some other clients as well with the protests and unionization)
My job is very likely not at risk right now but obviously there will be no more promotions and probably no pay raise as they will just say they can’t due to AI competition or something. Also a lot of my collogues will be fired.
Probably if everyone in my project that knows about this things doesn’t get involved somehow nothing will happen since for now it’s just our part of this company project even though very clearly it’s going to be all of them at some point.
What should I do to help my fellow workers ? Would it actually be possible to unionize when only some projects are currently affected ? Or should I just try to raise class awareness as much as possible to make the people that will remain more active about their condition in the future ?
Talk to your coworkers. Get an understanding of what they think about this, and walk them through how direct action can change the situation.
In terms of resources for organizing, unfortunately I don’t know details about the unions in Bulgaria. But Автономна might be a good place to start. Also KNSB.
Solidarity!
