West Hollywood, CA – In a dramatic twist for Grindr, the well-known LGBTQ+ dating app, nearly 45% of its employees opted to resign following the company’s stringent return-to-office mandate, introduced just as most employees revealed plans to unionize.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) reported that of the company’s 178 employees, approximately 80 chose to leave instead of complying with the directive to physically work two days a week at designated office “hubs.”
Beyond just the Grindr mass resignation, the company offered severance packages to those unable to relocate. The CWA alleges that this move was not out of benevolence, but a calculated maneuver “to silence workers from speaking out about their working conditions.” This resulted in the CWA launching its second labor complaint against Grindr in just a month.
Erick Cortez, a representative of the organizing group, voiced concerns: “The app’s safety, security, and stability for users are now questionable with Grindr being so understaffed.” He further emphasized the company’s apparent agenda to quash the employees’ voice and their right to organize.
However, Grindr’s spokesperson confidently rebuffed the claims of the union, expressing anticipation over adopting a hybrid work model in October, targeting enhanced productivity and collaboration.
Meanwhile, at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology conference in San Francisco, Grindr’s Chief Executive, George Arison, conceded that more staff attrition is likely. He claimed that this would positively impact financial margins, indicating Grindr’s high operational leverage.
This standoff serves as a stark representation of the evolving employer-employee dynamics post-pandemic, as companies grapple with return-to-office mandates and employee preferences.
Facing issues with employer mandates? Don’t remain silent. Reach out to Labor Law Advocates in California for support and guidance on your rights in the workplace.
