Google Express workers vote to unionize

Marco della Cava | USA TODAY

SAN FRANCISCO – Google Express workers in Palo Alto, Calif. voted to unionize Friday, although the news comes as the newly restructured Google closes two delivery hubs in the San Francisco area.

The workers seeking representation are employed by human resources company Adecco to work for Google Express. The warehouse and shipping workers help process same-day deliveries for Google Express Services in Palo Alto.

Of the 151 workers eligible to vote, 77 opted to join the Teamsters union, while 43 voted against, said Rome Aloise, International Vice President and Local 853 principal officer.

At the same time, Google Express is shutting down two of its shipping hubs in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Google spokesperson Meghan Casserly says the company's change of strategy that resulted in the hub closings was unrelated to the Teamsters vote.

Google Express workers had complained about a lack ventilation in warehouse facilities, low wages and poor benefit packages.

"This is another example of tech support workers, who work for third party contractors, demanding a bigger piece of the pie," said Aloise. "Hopefully, now, we can put this behind us and move forward to helping these workers to gain decent wages and working conditions."

Google Express launched two years ago to compete with delivery options from the likes of Amazon and other start-ups. It also has operations in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C.

Service worker empowerment has been growing in Silicon Valley. Facebook's shuttle drivers became members of Local 853 in November. In February, they ratified an agreement that raised average pay to $27.50 an hour, up from $18 an hour. The Teamsters began organizing the Silicon Valley bus drivers last fall after coverage from USA TODAY brought to light tough working conditions.

Others joining the Local 853 this year include shuttle drivers for Apple, eBay, Yahoo, Zynga, Genentech, Amtrak and Evernote. Google and Apple have also brought onto their payroll hundreds of security workers who previously were supplied by contractors. Hiring the workers give them benefits and perks that full-fledged employees get.