Google DeepMind Workers Vote to Unionize Over Military AI Deals
Employees at Google DeepMind in London have voted to unionize, aiming to block the lab from providing AI technology to the US and Israeli militaries, according to a WIRED report. The workers sent a letter to Google's UK managing director asking to recognize the Communication Workers Union and Unite the Union as joint representatives.
Background and Motivation
The push began in February 2025 after Alphabet removed a pledge from its AI ethics guidelines prohibiting use for weapons and surveillance. A DeepMind employee cited the lab's former tagline 'to build AI responsibly to benefit humanity,' and expressed concern over 'further militarization of the AI models.' Workers from DeepMind and OpenAI also signed an open letter in support of Anthropic after the US Department of Defense sought to label it a supply chain risk over its refusal to allow AI use in autonomous weapons or mass surveillance.
In late March, the New York Times reported Google struck a deal with the Pentagon allowing AI use for 'any lawful government purpose.' Roughly 600 US-based Google employees signed a protest letter, calling the clause 'vague enough to be effectively meaningless.' The DeepMind employee stated that if unionization succeeds, they will likely demand Google withdraw from its contract with the Israeli military and increase transparency on AI use and layoff assurances.
Union Status and Industry Impact
Google spokesperson Kristen Morea said no vote has occurred yet, but the company values constructive dialogue. Google previously defended its government deals, with spokeswoman Jenn Crider stating commitment to 'private and public sector consensus that AI should not be used for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weaponry without appropriate human oversight.' The Alphabet Workers Union (US-based) is not recognized for collective bargaining but has negotiated for contractors. The UK union seeks arbitration if Google refuses recognition. The CWU hopes this effort will spur similar actions at Anthropic and OpenAI, which have expanded London operations.
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