Nbc news has published a great report on the struggles Amazon employees face trying to get tested for covid. It delves into the company’s policies and systems, and gives a voice to the employees they affect.
The author of the report spoke to workers who faced breakthrough cases and unexpected costs as they tried to get tested for covid.’I really wish they would bring free free free covid testing back to us,’ said one employee.
Amazon’s workers are supposed to get 40 hours of paid leave after a positive test or exposure. Many of those who spoke to NBC reported that they ran into difficulties trying to get time off.
If the robotic system is robotic, it seems to have broken down. Workers say they find it nearly impossible to get help if they test positive.
A contractor that works at Amazon’s covid-19 hotline told NBC news there were 1,700 calls on hold at one point.
The company says it is looking into reports of the time-off issues. It offers incentives and events to help employees get vaccinated.