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Amazon extended its work-from-home policy until 2021 for corporate employees, but call center workers in the Philippines hired by the company’s Ring subsidiary continue to work in person with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, as detailed in a report for NBC News. by Olivia Solon and April Glaser.
Teleperformance employees, hired by Ring in the Philippines, describe little to no support for making their workplace safer during the pandemic. The company is under increased scrutiny after the press published photos of employees sleeping at its offices in Cebu City. Solon and Glaser report that Teleperformance continues to minimize concerns even with new pressure to change policies from worker organizations such as the BPO Industry Employees Network.
Per Ring’s policies, workers cannot work from home to better keep customer data safe. This has not created a safer workplace, according to testimony from four workers Solon and Glaser interviewed for the report. In addition to close contact with coworkers, they describe the inadequate cleanliness of shared and high-touch workspaces and inconsistent transportation to and from the call center as the most pressing concerns.
Employees took great risk by sharing their accounts, but significant changes seem distant given Ring’s stance on security and high demand for call center workforce in the Philippines. The Solon and Glaser report is a reminder of the inequity experienced by workers critical of the services offered by the largest US corporations. The personal touch customers expect comes at a cost and leaves workers with few options.
