Tech Union asks MPs to quiz multinationals on DEI

Leading union for tech workers Prospect has written to Parliament’s Women and Equalities Committee asking it to look into concerns that US multi-nationals are using policy changes in the US as a way to undermine their DEI obligations in the UK.

The letters says:

“Prospect represents thousands of UK tech workers, including in companies like Meta, and we have been alarmed to see the way in which these companies have acted since Donald Trump’s inauguration as President. Not only have the CEOs of many tech companies publicly endorsed some of the President’s rhetoric on rolling back on equalities practices, many have now begun to put this new policy in to effect in their own workforces.”

And:

“We are extremely worried that new job-cutting programmes may be aimed at those with protected characteristics, and the scrapping of fact-checking processes could result in workers being exposed to even more extreme and harmful content.”

The letter calls for:

“the committee to look into this issue and to question tech executives on these changes, the lack of consultation with their own workforces, and how they plan to comply with UK employment law and expectations on equality, diversity, and inclusion in the future. We would also be happy to give evidence to the committee on this issue.”

Rachel Curley, Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said:

“We are concerned that the rollback of diversity, equality and inclusion policies in large US-based global tech companies will have a direct impact on UK workers where the legal framework is substantially different.

“We are asking the Women and Equalities Committee to look into these issues and to question tech company executives to ensure their practices in the UK align with our values and regulations.”