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Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by kilgnad on Monday January 30, 2023 @11:16AM (#34581771)
On a side note I feel we can take Unionization into the tech world as a start up or an App.

Imagine a blind-esque App that just allows everyone participating to vote anonymously for a union. Then AFTER a union is official then leaders and instigators could reveal themselves or maybe there were no leaders or instigators the whole thing was p2p.

I feel something as easy and convenient as blind can allow "unions in limbo" to form at basically every company. Basically the votes for a union are in, the requirements are met but nobody is really running the show. When times change and companies pull this mass layoff BS... then people can immediately elect a rep to take the reigns as a point of negotiation...?

Is an organization that constantly take something similar to an HOA fee really required all the time? We just really need to have organized negotiations and communications with management WHEN needed. Like the immune system.. activation only during emergencies.

For example Amazon is conducting multiple rounds of layoffs. If this app existed... No process is needed for workers to form a central point of negotiation as the union is already there in limbo. Software engineers seeing the mass layoffs in the industry All immediately nominate and vote for union reps in the app. The rep has the position for 1 year (as dictated by the app), and will be paid his current salary to do union stuff. He becomes the admin for the blind-esque forum for the company and runs polls and things like that to help the software engineers do coordinated negotiation with management.

Good idea? Yay or nay.

Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by msmenardi on Monday January 30, 2023 @11:21AM (#34581878)
There should be forums or something where people can contribute to discussions and create a community. How are they supposed to vote for representatives if there's no way to know who other people are?
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by kilgnad on Monday January 30, 2023 @11:29AM (#34582048)
The app itself coordinates this. It guarantees only people with company emails can join and these people can only join with a single accocunt.

Blind already does this and is quite popular among tech workers. I'm just extending the concept.

Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by ramesh31 on Monday January 30, 2023 @11:23AM (#34581924)
Unions are political entities with leadership and power structures. This would be akin to casting a random blind vote for president.
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by kilgnad on Monday January 30, 2023 @11:30AM (#34582075)
Yes. But does the law require this. Does the law require the union to have a leader and be operational at all times?

Apologies, I'm honestly ignorant about the law here.

Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by jonathankoren on Monday January 30, 2023 @11:21AM (#34581863)
There are very specific regulatory requirements for unionization as outlined by the NLRB.
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by kilgnad on Monday January 30, 2023 @11:36AM (#34582209)
from what I read (and I didn't read super extensively) my app idea fits within this structure that's outlined by the NRLB.
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by jonathankoren on Monday January 30, 2023 @01:10PM (#34583901)
Then you should talk to a lawyer, or at least a union organizer. I'm sure contacting one of your local union halls could help you out.
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by renewiltord on Monday January 30, 2023 @12:24PM (#34583119)
That's a pretty clever idea. I'm against tech unions entirely, but I have to say that the just-in-time union is a pretty neat idea.
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by kilgnad on Monday January 30, 2023 @12:41PM (#34583434)
Really? it was generated by chatGPT. Just kidding. Thanks!
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by renewiltord on Monday January 30, 2023 @02:40PM (#34585285)
Haha if it were it wouldn't be the first time I'd have enjoyed something from there.
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by theGnuMe on Monday January 30, 2023 @12:55PM (#34583642)
It's a great idea whose time has come. Watch Apple and Google not approve it in the app store. The file a lawsuit. Pitch it to the NLRB too and you might find ways around requiring email to verify employees.
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by neves on Monday January 30, 2023 @03:39PM (#34586034)
Not all the world problems will be solved with an app.
Re:Big Tech is using layoffs to crush worker power by kilgnad on Monday January 30, 2023 @04:10PM (#34586436)
Hah! Old news. You're a decade late.

I don't think this is one of those ideas where some one is twisting some other concept into an app.

I think this fits, big time.

Typically forming a union involves someone stepping up and painting a bullseye on their back. An Blind-esque APP is literally the perfect thing to eliminate this vulnerability.