Grindr United, the union representing former employees of the dating app Grindr, is continuing its fight to reinstate workers who were laid off nearly two years ago. The union is currently fundraising and calling on the broader LGBTQIA+ community for support.
“Grindr workers tried to unionise so we could have a seat at the table and fight for an app that serves our community,” the union posted on Instagram. “Management forced us out, and now we are 18 months into a legal process to get our jobs back.”
In August 2023, Grindr ended its remote work policies, demanding employees relocate to designated “hub” cities or accept severance packages. The change affected 80 of the company’s 178 staff members—many of whom were originally hired to work remotely.
The timing of the layoffs raised alarm, coming just two weeks after a majority of workers declared their intention to unionise with the Communications Workers of America. Grindr United subsequently filed an unfair labour practice charge, accusing the company of imposing “unlawful” severance agreements.
Grindr United is advocating not just for job reinstatement but also for workplace reforms. Their goals include pay transparency, better health and wellness benefits, and a commitment from company leadership to adopt anti-racist hiring and product policies. They’ve also expressed disappointment with what they see as the company’s insufficient stance on issues affecting the trans community.
The union has so far raised just over $4,300 USD to support the laid-off workers.
Grindr has denied the union’s claims.
The company has been embroiled in controversy since George Arison became CEO in September 2022. Shortly after his appointment, past social media posts resurfaced showing Arison—a gay man—expressing agreement with some of Donald Trump’s policies and support for conservative politicians, prompting backlash from users who began deleting the app.
Despite the controversy, Grindr went public in a $2.1 billion market listing in November 2022, with its stock surging over 400% on debut.
Grindr has also faced legal challenges over privacy concerns. In 2022, it was fined €6.5 million by the European Union for violating data protection laws by allegedly sharing user data with third parties for marketing purposes.
