Google Maps contract workers reportedly refused to return to the office. Around 200 contract workers have circulated a petition asking them to continue working at home as they cannot afford to commute. Contractors are also reported to emphasize differences between contractors and Google employees regarding policies. The 4,444 employees cited rising fuel prices in the office, increasing inflation and the fear of getting infected with COVID 19 as reasons to continue working from home.
About 60% of the 200 employees of Cognizant Technology Solutions, which outsourced Google’s operations, have signed the petition. Outsourcing companies want their employees to work in the office for a week from June 6 to June 5. These contractors are instrumental in updating Google Maps routes and destinations.
According to a New York Times report, Cognizant employees working with Google have previously requested a postponement of their return to office schedules, addressing the employee’s economic, health and childcare issues. The petition was supported by 900 members of the Alphabet Workers’ Union. For beginners, Alphabet is the parent company of Google. Cognizant said in a statement that the return-to-office policy depends on the type of work employees do and the needs of their customers.
Google’s Courteney Mancini also said that the community’s health, including contract workers, is a priority for the company. She said Google had given Washington suppliers a 90-day deadline for workers to return to their offices and that those suppliers have made a decision on how to implement the policy. Cognizant employees said they could get back to work in 40 days instead of the 60 days promised by the manager earlier. According to the staff, the 20-day interval for finding or relocating the child has been significantly reduced.