UK-based Google DeepMind workers vote to unionize over Pentagon AI deal in first union bid at a frontier AI lab

UK-based Google DeepMind workers have launched a bid to form the world's first union at a frontier AI lab, with workers below VP level backing the vote by 98% in a unionization bid that would cover at least 1,000 staff tied to DeepMind's London office. The move follows Google's recent Pentagon deal allowing the U.S. Department of Defense to use its Gemini AI models inside classified military networks for “any lawful purpose,” which has sparked internal backlash including an open letter signed by more than 600 employees. Workers are seeking to force an end to Google AI being used by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Israeli military, plus reinstatement of a previous company pledge not to develop AI for weapons or surveillance, an independent ethics oversight body, and the individual right to refuse to contribute to projects on moral grounds. The Communication Workers Union, which is representing the DeepMind workers, gave Google management 10 working days to voluntarily recognize the union or agree to mediated negotiations before a formal legal process is launched.