Google Workers' Hub

Think Globally, Act Locally: As Google is a worldwide organisation- we link up with other Google worker unions international to take part in global actions and act collectively 

Meetings and surveys are run support our Google members to get member’s views and deal with the issues that arise for the collective and for individuals.

We wrote to Minister Peter Burke, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment regarding concerning developments around DEI programs and AI policies. You can read the full letter here. 

FSU engaged with George Lawlor T.D. to ask a parliamentary question in Dáil Éireann to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth if the company’s recent statements to cancel aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion are concerning. You can read the full reply from the Minister here.

Support during redundancies  

Support during limited redundancies in May 2025; We opened our helpline for support to Google workers. We provided our roadmap to redundancy to give workers clarity on their rights.

• We’ve called for clarity and put pressure on Google during redundancies in 2024 
• FSU Statement on Google compulsory redundancies March 2023: The Financial Services Union and Irish Congress of Trade Unions (the national union umbrella body) urged Minister Coveney to intervene.
• FSU supported employee representatives engaged in the 30‑day statutory consultation.  

We have produced reports and research regarding the tech sector such as: 

• A report on the experience of technological surveillance on employees
• A research report regarding tech redundancies as well
• Yearly pre-budget submissions to the government pushing for better working conditions for all

Campaigns for all workers

• We have campaigned on closing the gender pay gap and the introduction of gender pay gap reporting
• FSU were instrumental in the introduction of ‘Right to disconnect’ Code in the WRC
• Pregnancy Loss and the workplace campaigning for better leave 

And many more! 

Union Frequency Asked Questions & Myth busting

Will Google or my manager know I’ve joined the union?

• We do not publicise lists of members to anyone at Google.
• You can choose to be public or private about your membership.
• Union membership is considered confidential data under GDPR- you cannot be compelled to reveal your membership.

I’m worried about joining.

• You have the right to be a trade union member according to the Irish Constitution under Article 40.
• You cannot be fired for trade union activity under Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2015

I have issues but Google pays me a lot and it’s better than other places but not perfect.

You shouldn’t have to choose between being well‑paid and staying true to your values. When something isn’t ideal, it can always be improved and no one should feel they have to navigate challenges alone.

Google routinely treated as a leader and pioneer for industry working conditions. Improvements we make here can make working in the industry as a whole better. Whether you stay here or go elsewhere, that’s a good thing.

What about working within the system? Like ERGs and listening sessions.

We’ve seen a downward trend in the effectiveness of “working within the system” at Google and believe we need something better. Our union can still work “within the system,” but now our engagements with management will be on more equal footing, and we will be heard more clearly and consistently.

Think of it as guaranteeing that we, the employees of Google, have a real seat at the table that’s autonomous from Google.

How can I get more involved?

Joining is the first step! We welcome all levels of involvement- from being a casual member who shares a survey to being a point of contact for your division. Please reach out to if you want to know more about getting involved and bringing your skills to the table!

What does it mean to be a union member?

Firstly, it means you’re part of a community of workers who care deeply about their workplace and colleagues. It also means you have a say in union activities in Google. It's your union- you and your colleagues decide the direction of it!

How much does it cost to be a member of the union?

Depending on your position and hours it costs between €10.83 at our lowest and €27.69 at our highest. Most staff usually pay an average of €21.66-€14.43. You can see the rates in full here.

Why are there membership fees?

Membership fees cover the costs of essential supports for members like you. They fund campaigns in Google, training for members, the industrial relations team, provide access to the advice center, cover legal expenses, and address various costs, ensuring that you receive optimal support from your union.

Does a trade union understand tech roles?

We represent analysts, data scientists, engineers, cybersecurity teams and more.

At FSU, we've secured AI agreements, better pay, enhanced family leave, and flexible work policies. We deal with digital transformation and changing workplaces every day.

I’m happy with my  job, I don’t need a union.

Stability in tech can disappear overnight. Restructuring, outsourcing, acquisitions, and automation can upend your role in a heartbeat. A union protects your rights and ensures you have support before you need it.

Ask yourself: if the things you love about your job disappeared tomorrow, what real recourse would you have? Even at Google, we’ve seen a steady decline- less transparency, more top-down decisions, and fewer opportunities for employee input.