Kenya-Based Tech Workers Honor Deceased Colleague Amidst Concerns of Working Conditions
Technology workers in Kenya mourned Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok, whose death raised concerns about working conditions. Colleagues indicated she was fatigued and eager to return home, while Teleperformance Kenya denied allegations of denying leave. The vigil underscored the poor conditions faced by content moderators, highlighting systemic issues within the industry.
Technology professionals in Kenya recently gathered for a vigil to honor their colleague, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a Nigerian content moderator for TikTok. Olubunmi passed away under unclear circumstances after being unable to return to Nigeria for two years. Her decomposing body was found in her residence three days after her death, raising questions about the conditions she faced while working abroad.
Colleagues reported that Olubunmi had been experiencing significant fatigue and expressed a strong desire to go home. In response to inquiries regarding her death, Teleperformance Kenya, her employer, refuted allegations that she had been denied leave, calling such claims “baseless and untrue.”
Concerns regarding the working environment for content moderators were echoed by numerous colleagues, who cited issues such as low pay, inadequate mental health support, extended working hours, and intimidation. This is not an isolated incident: over 100 former content moderators from Facebook have filed a lawsuit against the company due to claims of poor working conditions and wrongful termination in their subcontractor, Samasource.
During the vigil, many technicians spoke about the precarious circumstances that may have contributed to Olubunmi’s death. “There are more than 100 Nigerians working under Teleperformance who haven’t had work permits for the last two years,” noted Kauna Malgwi, a friend of Olubunmi, indicating that this situation has severely hindered their ability to travel home.
Following the discovery of her body, Olubunmi’s family was notified a day later via an email from Teleperformance regarding her demise. They provided her family with contact information for local investigators regarding the autopsy and burial, yet the family faces financial challenges in repatriating her body and is considering asking her church for assistance in burial arrangements.
The vigil held by technology workers in Kenya serves to highlight the significant challenges faced by content moderators, particularly concerning mental health and work conditions. Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi’s unfortunate demise underscores the dire circumstances many experience, such as a lack of support and the inability to return home. As the discourse surrounding worker rights in the technology sector continues, it demands attention and action to prevent further tragedies.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
