Workers at Grindr Announce Union with CWA

In an Attempt to Ensure Safeguard for LGBTQIA+ Workers and App users, Grindr Workers Launch Union with Overwhelming Support 

[WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA] - Today, a supermajority of workers at Grindr, comprising members of the LGBTQIA+ community and strong allies, proudly announce the formation of Grindr United with Communications Workers of America (CWA). A supermajority of the approximately 100 eligible members have signed union representation cards at the company behind the leading LGBTQIA+ dating app.  Grinder United members work across various departments at Grindr, including cloud engineering, customer experience, design, engineering, IT, marketing, privacy, product, and quality assurance. By joining together in a union, workers are committed to ensuring that Grindr remains a safe, inclusive, and thriving place for its users and workers alike.

The workers of Grindr United seek to preserve the current benefits they receive, such as remote work, excellent trans inclusive healthcare, generous PTO and more by enshrining these benefits in a collective contract. They also seek additional benefits commonly found at similar companies, including gift matching, a professional development budget, and cost-of-living pay increases that match annual inflation. In the midst of a volatile job market, workers hope to ensure layoff protections and clear severance protocols. Additionally, workers wish to establish a clear path to professional progression for all employees, documented performance improvement plans when necessary, and transparency in pay to address wage disparities affecting marginalized communities. These demands aim to create a fair and inclusive work environment that values workers' contributions, protects the current vibrant LGBTQIIA+ culture within the company and upholds workers’ rights. A protected union voice on the job will help the workers ensure that Grindr is investing in trusted safety features and partnering with global and local governments to protect the queer community from which the company benefits. 

“I've been a proud member of the Grindr team for almost two years, and honored to enjoy the incredible vibrant queer culture we've built together. Now, I'm thrilled to join a supermajority of my colleagues in announcing our union. Through our union we will preserve and expand the things we love about Grindr, like trans-inclusive healthcare and remote work options. Additionally, we seek clear protections against layoffs in the midst of an evolving industry. Lastly, we want to foster a workplace where everyone can speak up without fear of retaliation and find opportunities for career growth. Together, we're committed to creating a stronger, more inclusive Grindr for workers and users,” said Erick Cortez, Knowledge Specialist and member of Grindr United. 

With 297 anti-LGBTQ bills currently introduced in the United States, the LGBTQIA+ community finds itself under attack. Now, more than ever, the workers at Grindr believe it is crucial to stand united and push back against these assaults on equality and inclusivity. This urgent need is further underscored by revelations surrounding the new CEO’s previous support of anti-LGBTQIA+ politicians on Twitter and via political donations. 

“The overwhelming majority of Grindr workers are coming together to use their power to make a positive influence in our workplace and in our world. By having a key voice in business decision making we can ensure that Grindr is investing in trust and safety features and partnering with global and local groups to protect the queer community. We want to make sure that our voices are being heard at the highest levels of the organization so we can work to ensure all members of the LGBTQIA+ community can experience safety and joy whether at work, on the apps, or in the real world. We hope management recognizes the overwhelming support amongst workers for Grindr United and grants us voluntary recognition,”said Quinn McGee, Trust and Safety Product Manager and member of Grindr United. 

Grindr United hopes that management will recognize the supermajority support amongst workers and extend voluntary recognition to their workers’ union rather than unnecessarily delaying recognition. Regardless, workers are confident in their ability to establish their union’s collective bargaining rights through an National Labor Relations Board election. 

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The Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) is a network of worker-organizers and their staff working every single day to build the voice and power necessary to ensure the future of the tech, game, and digital industries in the United States and Canada. CODE-CWA is a project of the Communications Workers of America which represents hundreds of thousands of workers throughout tech, media, telecom, and other industries who stand together to fight for justice on the job and in our communities.