The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a complaint According to Against Grindr bloombergThe agency argues that return-to-office (RTO) orders, which limit remote work and effectively require relocation for many workers, were an attempt to block the unionization drive. About 80 of Grindr’s 178 employees quit last year due to RTO requirements, according to the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
The NLRB’s Office of General Counsel accused Grindr of violating labor laws by retaliating against workers who attempted to organize. sugar bloomberg, The company also refused to recognize the union or negotiate in good faith, which is a violation of labor laws, he added.
A Grindr spokesperson told the publication the claims were “meritless.” They added that some employees began signing their union cards “only after it became known that a return to the office was underway.”
According to CWA, the company announced on August 4 last year that employees would be required to come to the company office at least two days a week. absolute majority of workers presentation Union formed in July. The union claims that by the end of August about half of its employees had been forced to resign. This was stated in part as a result of relocation requirements.
Among other things, some of Grindr’s transgender employees would have had to find alternative health care providers to make the move, the union said. “The RTO order gave employees the option of ending their tenure at Grindr or traveling to each team’s newly assigned ‘hub’ city for two weeks to work in person twice a week,” CWA said. said When she filed an unfair labor practice claim against Grindr in September 2023. CNN Many employees employed remotely suddenly had to report to Grindr offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Washington, D.C.
This isn’t the first time Grindr has found itself in hot water recently. Earlier this year, the company was sued for allegedly sharing personal information, including HIV status, test dates, race and sexual orientation, with advertising companies without users’ consent.
In a statement to Engadget, Grindr United-CWA called today’s protest “another big victory” for the union. Here’s the full explanation:
Today’s NLRB complaint is another major victory for our union. After management implemented a retaliatory relocation policy just days after we publicized our organizing efforts, more than half of our colleagues were forced to move to a ‘hub’ to work in person or leave the company. still.
When we filed an unfair labor practice complaint with the NLRB last year, we held Grindr collectively accountable for protecting workers’ rights and their right to unionize. That’s why we founded Grindr-United. This is to ensure cooperation and a seat at the negotiating table.
We hope this NLRB filing sends a clear message to Grindr that we are committed to negotiating fair working conditions in good faith with our union. As we continue to build and expand our workforce capabilities at Grindr, this win is a positive step in ensuring Grindr remains a safe, inclusive, and prosperous place for users and workers alike.
Update, November 4, 5:40 PM ET: This story was updated after publication to include a statement from Grindr United-CWA.