Security engineer says Google fired her for trying to notify co-workers of right to organize

By
EUGENE
155
1496

Security engineer says Google fired her for trying to notify co-workers of right to organize

 

Google has fired a security engineer who updated a company tool to notify co-workers of their right to organize, spurring a labor complaint and adding to recent scrutiny of how the company has handled unionization efforts.

Kathryn Spiers, who worked as a security engineer, updated an internal Chrome browser extension so that each time Google employees visited the website of IRI Consultants — the Troy, Michigan, firm that Google hired this year amid a groundswell of labor activism at the company — they would see a pop-up message that read: “Googlers have the right to participate in protected concerted activities.”

Spiers was placed on administrative leave the week of Thanksgiving, the same week the company fired four other employees who claim Google has been engaged in illegal efforts to discourage workers engaged in organizing employees. She was fired Friday.

“We dismissed an employee who abused privileged access to modify an internal security tool,” a Google spokeswoman said in a statement, adding that it was “a serious violation.”

Spiers said she was acting in the interest of her co-workers.

“I was doing nothing more than notifying my co-workers about Google’s obligations under labor law,” Spiers said in a text message. “Googlers are expected to take initiative and it’s really important we hold upper management accountable.”

The firing comes at a time of heightened tensions at Google as the company has been forced to reckon with employees’ discontent. Earlier this month, the National Labor Relations Board, or NLRB, opened an investigation into Google’s firing of the four workers last month and whether Google discouraged employees from organizing.

Google workers have also organized internal petitions criticizing the company’s plans to build a censored search engine in China, as well as its cloud contract with the Department of Defense to build artificial intelligence for drones. Last year, Google employees organized a walkout across more than 40 offices to protest how they say the company has mishandled allegations of sexual assault and harassment within the company.

Spiers’ pop-up message was inserted into a tool that notifies employees of privacy and security concerns about using non-Google tools and services, like warning employees not to upload proprietary information to Dropbox, Spiers said. The tool is managed by the platform security team, for which Spiers worked for almost two years as a security engineer.

Security engineer says Google fired her for trying to notify co-workers of right to organize

Spiers told NBC News that she was inspired to create a digital notification because “a poster in the cafeteria is not the best way of reaching the majority of Googlers.”

The message included a link to a statement that the NLRB required the company to post for employees following the settlement of a complaint that was filed against Google in 2016.

Spiers, 21, said she went through the standard approval process, which requires two co-workers to greenlight changes, before updating the Chrome browser extension. Another source at Google familiar with the update approval process confirmed to NBC news that those two approvals are standard practice for a browser extension update.

Three hours after Spiers made the update, she was approached by members of Google’s internal security team and questioned before being placed on administrative leave, she said.

On Monday, a representative from the Communications Workers of America filed an NLRB charge against Google for Spiers’ termination, accusing it of interfering with her right to organize her co-workers.

“You’re allowed to put posters up on the wall to help organize your workers, and this can be seen as kind of a digital extension of that,” said Veena Dubal, a professor at the University of California’s Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. “Whether or not you’re in a union or there’s a union being formed, the law protects organizing activities by employees in the workplace organizing to improve their working conditions.”

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

155 COMMENTS

  5. Link exchange is nothing else however it is simply placing the other person’s webpage link on your page at proper place and other person will also do similar in favor of you.|

  8. Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your website is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this website. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and simply couldn’t come across. What a great site.

  9. Youre so cool! I don’t expect Ive read anything similar to this prior to. So nice to find somebody with some original ideas on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this web site is something that is needed online, somebody with a little creativity. beneficial job for bringing something brand-new to the net!

  11. The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!|

  12. Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is really annoying. A good website with interesting content, that’s what I need. Thank you for keeping this site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.

  13. At this time it sounds like WordPress is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  15. I absolutely love your website.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m wanting to create my very own blog and would love to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Kudos!|

  16. Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Finding the time and actual effort to generate a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.|

  17. Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Wonderful. I am also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.

  24. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!|

  25. Admiring the hard work you put into your site and detailed information you provide. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material. Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.|

  26. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch due to the fact that I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to discuss this issue here on your web page.|

  28. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please send me an e-mail if interested. Kudos!

  29. whoah this weblog is magnificent i like reading your articles. Keep up the good paintings! You understand, lots of persons are looking round for this info, you could help them greatly.

  32. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I’m hoping to see the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own blog now ;)|

  35. Hey there would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a honest price? Thank you, I appreciate it!|

  37. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I think that you need to publish more about this issue, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people do not talk about these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!|

  38. I just could not leave your site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the usual information an individual supply for your guests? Is going to be back incessantly to check up on new posts.

  42. I have been absent for some time, but now I remember why I used to love this blog. Thanks, I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your site?

  45. Hmm it seems like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any points for beginner blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.|

  48. Hello! I simply would like to give a huge thumbs up for the good information you’ve got right here on this post. I will likely be coming back to your weblog for extra soon.

  50. I have observed that in the world the present moment, video games would be the latest phenomenon with children of all ages. Often times it may be difficult to drag your children away from the video games. If you want the very best of both worlds, there are many educational games for kids. Good post.

  52. An impressive share, I just given this onto a coworker that was doing a little evaluation on this. And also he as a matter of fact got me morning meal because I discovered it for him. smile. So let me rephrase that: Thnx for the reward! Yet yeah Thnkx for investing the moment to review this, I really feel strongly regarding it and like learning more on this topic. Ideally, as you come to be proficiency, would you mind upgrading your blog with even more information? It is extremely useful for me. Huge thumb up for this blog post!

  54. The very core of your writing whilst appearing reasonable at first, did not work perfectly with me after some time. Someplace within the sentences you were able to make me a believer unfortunately just for a short while. I still have got a problem with your jumps in logic and one might do well to help fill in those gaps. If you can accomplish that, I could undoubtedly be amazed.

  56. I was just seeking this info for some time. After six hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your web site. I wonder what is the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Normally the top websites are full of garbage.

  59. Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  61. Hi there, just become alert to your weblog via Google, and found that it’s really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you happen to proceed this in future. Many other folks will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!|

  64. I do trust all of the ideas you’ve offered to your post. They’re very convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very short for beginners. Could you please extend them a little from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.

  65. hello!,I like your writing very much! proportion we keep in touch extra about your article on AOL? I need an expert in this house to unravel my problem. Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to peer you.

  66. Good – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

  69. I’m really inspired along with your writing talents and also with the structure to your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it your self? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a great weblog like this one these days..|

  78. I’m also commenting to make you know of the impressive encounter my cousin’s child had using your blog. She even learned too many issues, which included how it is like to have a marvelous helping mood to make other individuals smoothly know various problematic matters. You actually did more than people’s expectations. Thank you for displaying these beneficial, trustworthy, explanatory as well as fun guidance on the topic to Lizeth.

  79. Get help to stop drinking. Helping women quit drinking alcohol. Coach Mary Wagstaff. Feel better, mind, body and soul. Mindfulness based coaching and alcohol recovery. Yoga for recovery.

  81. That is really attention-grabbing, You’re an excessively professional blogger. I’ve joined your feed and sit up for looking for more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks|

  82. Admiring the persistence you put into your blog and in depth information you present. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed information. Excellent read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  83. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.

  86. I absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for yourself? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome website!|

  94. Hey there! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 4! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the outstanding work!|

  97. The subsequent time I learn a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my choice to learn, however I truly thought youd have something attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you can repair in the event you werent too busy looking for attention.

  98. I like the valuable information you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  99. Hello! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs up for your excellent info you have here on this post. I will be returning to your blog for more soon.|

  100. You could definitely see your expertise in the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  104. Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info much. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  109. obviously like your website however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very troublesome to inform the truth however I will surely come back again.|

  110. Thank you for every other excellent post. The place else may anyone get that kind of info in such an ideal approach of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I am at the look for such info.

  113. Normally I do not read article on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, very great article.|

  114. Oh my goodness! a wonderful post dude. Thanks a lot However My business is experiencing trouble with ur rss . Don’t know why Can not join it. Possibly there is anyone finding identical rss difficulty? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  116. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100 positive. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers|

  117. Magnificent goods from you, man. I have remember your stuff previous to and you’re just too great. I actually like what you have bought here, really like what you are saying and the way in which through which you are saying it. You’re making it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. That is actually a great site.|

  121. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and today when a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is by any means you’ll be able to get rid of me from that service? Thanks!

  122. I am also writing to let you understand what a terrific experience my wife’s daughter encountered reading through your blog. She mastered such a lot of issues, most notably how it is like to have an amazing teaching character to make certain people without difficulty fully grasp chosen extremely tough things. You actually surpassed her desires. Many thanks for providing such productive, safe, educational as well as fun tips about your topic to Janet.

  124. The next time I just read a weblog, Lets hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this blog. Come on, man, Yes, it was my replacement for read, but I really thought youd have something fascinating to convey. All I hear can be a few whining about something you could fix should you werent too busy looking for attention.

  138. You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually one thing that I believe I’d by no means understand. It kind of feels too complex and very broad for me. I am having a look ahead on your next post, I’ll try to get the grasp of it!|

  139. Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply cool and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.|

  144. Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this certain information for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  145. This design is steller! You most certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!|

  146. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

  147. I?m pleased, I should claim. Really hardly ever do I come across a blog site that?s both instructional and also entertaining, and also let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is outstanding; the issue is something that not nearly enough people are speaking smartly about. I am very satisfied that I stumbled across this in my look for something relating to this.

  148. I’ve recently started a website, the information you offer on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work. “Patriotism is often an arbitrary veneration of real estate above principles.” by George Jean Nathan.

  149. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks!|

  154. I’ve been browsing on-line greater than three hours today, yet I by no means found any interesting article like yours. It’s lovely price enough for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the net might be a lot more helpful than ever before. “No one has the right to destroy another person’s belief by demanding empirical evidence.” by Ann Landers.

  155. My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!|

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here