Google DeepMind workers in UK vote to unionize amid deal with US military
Workers at Google DeepMind in the UK have voted to unionize, citing concerns over the company's AI collaboration with the US military and its potential use in military and surveillance applications. The move follows Google's recent classified AI deal with the Pentagon and its reversal of a previous pledge not to develop militarized AI. Employees seek greater ethical oversight and a collective voice in how their technology is deployed.
- ▪Google DeepMind UK workers voted to unionize in April 2026, seeking recognition for the Communication Workers Union and Unite the Union.
- ▪The unionization effort was motivated by Google’s AI deal with the US Pentagon and concerns over complicity in military actions, including in Gaza and Iran.
- ▪Google dropped its previous commitment not to develop militarized AI, escalating worker concerns.
- ▪The Pentagon confirmed agreements with Google and six other AI firms to advance its AI-first military strategy.
- ▪Anthropic, despite existing military use of its AI, was not included in the Pentagon’s new agreements.
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Workers at Google DeepMind, the company’s AI research laboratory, requested recognition of the Communication Workers Union and Unite the Union as joint representatives of the lab’s UK-based staff. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenWorkers at Google DeepMind, the company’s AI research laboratory, requested recognition of the Communication Workers Union and Unite the Union as joint representatives of the lab’s UK-based staff. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty ImagesUS newsGoogle DeepMind workers in UK vote to unionize amid deal with US militaryExclusive: Worker pointed to Iran war and Pentagon’s Anthropic feud as indications the department is ‘not a responsible partner’Alice SperiTue 5 May 2026 01.05 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 01.07 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian…
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