Employees at TikTok Germany staged two strikes in July over planned job cuts affecting content moderators and staff who support non-German-speaking creators. These actions marked the first time a strike had taken place at a social media platform in Germany. Participation included not only those whose positions were at risk, but also workers from other teams who joined in solidarity.
Following these strikes, TikTok management announced the dismissal of a ver.di union member who had participated in the industrial action. This employee was not part of the teams targeted for downsizing and is reportedly the only person on her team to be dismissed without being offered an alternative position. The dismissal notice came shortly after her involvement in the July strikes.
ver.di claims this move continues a pattern of intimidation that began when management spread what it called misinformation about German strike law within the company and initiated individual meetings with employees after the strikes. The union stated that immediately following her participation in the strike, the employee lost access to company systems, though this suspension has since been reversed.
Kathlen Eggerling, trade union secretary for ver.di’s media sector in Berlin-Brandenburg, commented: “Out of a team of more than 30 employees, it is precisely the colleague who took part in the strike who is to be fired. This reeks to high heaven, and we find the alleged business justifications completely unconvincing. We call on TikTok to immediately refrain from the dismissal and finally enter into constructive negotiations with ver.di on the demanded social collective agreement.”
Benjamin Parton, Head of UNI’s ICTS sector, added: “Workers voices will not be silenced, and TikTok’s attempts at intimidation are shameful. Content moderators do essential, difficult work to keep platforms safe, and TikTok should treat them and their supporters with respect, not hostility. UNI Global Union stands with ver.di and these workers in demanding TikTok end its union-busting tactics and engage in genuine social dialogue.”
ver.di has stated it will provide full legal support to challenge any dismissal if TikTok proceeds with its decision.
