Massachusetts-based Lionbridge Technologies, a major QA testing firm with operations across all of North America, has come under scrutiny after one of the largest unions in the US accused the company of unfair labour practices.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) confirmed in an email to QA Financial it has filed ‘unfair labour practice charges’ with the American National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Lionbridge Technologies.
The union alleges that the software testing company laid off its entire 160-person team in Boise, Idaho, in “retaliation for workers engaging in protected organizing activities and protected speech when raising issues regarding their working conditions.”
“Lionbridge has a documented union-busting track record.”
– CWA
The Lionbridge team provided quality-assurance services to Microsoft subsidiary Activision as well as a number of clients across the US, including a host of regional American banks and insurance firms.
Lionbridge reportedly offered its Idaho workers a severance package that required them to agree to “overly broad confidentiality terms and to waive rights protected under the National Labor Relations Act,” the CWA claims.
“This practice has been ruled unlawful by the NLRB,” a union representative told this publication.
“Workers were told that the reason for their termination was that the project had ended. However, other teams working on the same project in Mexico and Poland continue to work,” he added.
Events in recent years
The CWA spokesperson went on to claim that “Lionbridge has a documented union-busting track record.”
In 2016, the firm reportedly laid off all members of a union in Bellevue, Washington state, shortly after workers finalised a first collectively bargained contract with the company. That unit also provided QA software testing services to Microsoft, among other clients.
The CWA representative pointed out that Microsoft adopted principles for engagement with worker organisations in 2022, which recognized workers’ legal rights to organise and expressed a belief in “the importance of listening to our employees’ concerns,” as he put it.
“This team of subcontracted workers and all US workers enjoy those same rights and protections,” the spokesperson continued.
“CWA expects Microsoft to hold its contractors to the same standards the company has set for itself, as stated in its principles,” he concluded.
Lionbridge, which was founded in 1996 is led by CEO John Fennelly, currently employees around 6,000 people, mostly across North America.
When approached by QA Financial, no one at Lionbridge was available to comment. The case is ongoing.
UPCOMING QA FINANCIAL EVENTS
READ MORE
- Kobiton launches new capabilities for mobile testing
- ECB names new digital chief as QA climbs the priority ladder
- Maveric eyes IPO amid major US growth plans
- Exclusive: ‘AI productivity means more risk,’ warns Tricentis ML head
- QualityKiosk wins major testing deal with Dubai’s largest bank
Become a QA Financial subscriber – for FREE
News and interviews * Receive our weekly newsletter * Get priority invitations to our Forum events
