"Union Busting Alleged as TikTok Sacks Hundreds of UK Moderators Before They Could Vote on Unionization"
TikTok has faced a major backlash after firing hundreds of its moderators in the UK, with many claiming that the move was part of an attempt to "union bust." The company's actions come just before the moderators were set to vote on forming a union, sparking accusations of intimidation and oppression.
The 400 or so moderators who were let go were part of a collective bargaining unit that sought to protect themselves from the personal costs of reviewing extreme and violent content. However, TikTok denies any wrongdoing, claiming that the sackings were part of a global restructuring exercise aimed at streamlining its operations.
But those affected claim that they were forced out simply because they wanted to have more say in how their work was run. "We want input into our workflows and more say over how we keep the platform safe," said John Chadfield, national officer for tech workers at the Communication Workers Union. "It's high pressure and low paid."
The union is now taking TikTok to an employment tribunal, claiming that the company has breached trade union laws and engaged in unfair dismissal. Foxglove, a non-profit organization that supports the action, describes TikTok's treatment of its content moderators as "appalling" and says that the company is putting users at risk by laying off essential safety workers.
TikTok itself claims to have reduced moderators' exposure to graphic content by 76% in the past year thanks to its increasing use of AI. However, critics argue that this is a misleading measure that fails to account for the human cost of automation.
The case has sparked calls for greater protections for tech industry workers who are exposed to traumatic and violent content as part of their jobs. "This case is an important example of how individuals who band together can stand up to the might of big tech firms," said Michael Newman, a partner at Leigh Day law firm.
TikTok has faced a major backlash after firing hundreds of its moderators in the UK, with many claiming that the move was part of an attempt to "union bust." The company's actions come just before the moderators were set to vote on forming a union, sparking accusations of intimidation and oppression.
The 400 or so moderators who were let go were part of a collective bargaining unit that sought to protect themselves from the personal costs of reviewing extreme and violent content. However, TikTok denies any wrongdoing, claiming that the sackings were part of a global restructuring exercise aimed at streamlining its operations.
But those affected claim that they were forced out simply because they wanted to have more say in how their work was run. "We want input into our workflows and more say over how we keep the platform safe," said John Chadfield, national officer for tech workers at the Communication Workers Union. "It's high pressure and low paid."
The union is now taking TikTok to an employment tribunal, claiming that the company has breached trade union laws and engaged in unfair dismissal. Foxglove, a non-profit organization that supports the action, describes TikTok's treatment of its content moderators as "appalling" and says that the company is putting users at risk by laying off essential safety workers.
TikTok itself claims to have reduced moderators' exposure to graphic content by 76% in the past year thanks to its increasing use of AI. However, critics argue that this is a misleading measure that fails to account for the human cost of automation.
The case has sparked calls for greater protections for tech industry workers who are exposed to traumatic and violent content as part of their jobs. "This case is an important example of how individuals who band together can stand up to the might of big tech firms," said Michael Newman, a partner at Leigh Day law firm.
This whole situation with TikTok firing its UK moderators before they could vote on unionization is super suspicious. I mean, what's really going on here? Is this just a case of companies trying to avoid negotiating better pay and working conditions or is it something more insidious?
Newsflash: that won't fly with the labor unions and courts.
and it's not like they're gonna protect themselves from all that gross content anyway...i mean i feel bad for them but like why should they be expected to do all that work without even getting some basic benefits? 
my friend's sister works at a hospital and she's always talking about how stressful her job is too...anyway this tiktok thing is just crazy 
tiktok's got some serious nerve firing all those moderators in the uk before they even get to vote on unionizing 
newsflash: you can't silence workers who are tired of being taken advantage of and exposed to trauma at work 
what's next? getting rid of mental health days because "productivity"? 
i feel so bad for the hundreds of ppl who lost their jobs over this 
the fact that tiktok is trying to spin it as a "global restructuring" thing just makes me roll my eyes 
. I mean, I've had my fair share of burnt loaves, but that's all part of the fun, right? My grandma used to make this amazing sourdough starter from scratch, and she'd always say, "You gotta be patient, kiddo." I'm like, "Grandma, I'll try my best, but can you at least give me a hint?" 
. Oh man, now I'm craving some fresh bread... anyway, where was I? Ah yeah, TikTok's moderators