Investigation into TikTok Moderator’s Death Highlights Outsourcing Labor Issues in Kenya
Ladi Anzaki Olubumni’s death as a TikTok moderator has spurred an investigation into labor practices in the outsourcing sector in Kenya. The union is demanding accountability from the outsourcing firm, which has faced previous accusations related to poor working conditions. Olubumni’s case underscores the critical need for better protections and rights for gig workers.
The tragic death of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni, a content moderator for TikTok in Kenya, has raised significant concerns regarding labor practices within the outsourcing industry. Olubumni’s body was discovered in her apartment on March 7, following a three-day absence from work, prompting the Kenya Union of Gig Workers (KUGWO) to demand a thorough investigation into her untimely passing. Claims have emerged that Olubumni’s requests for leave and a return ticket to Nigeria were frequently denied by her employer.
Employed by a prominent outsourcing company in Nairobi, Olubumni allegedly did not possess a valid work permit, which had caused apprehension about extortion or harassment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport when attempting to travel home. The company has contested these allegations, asserting that they regularly communicated with Olubumni’s family and local authorities. They further deny accusations of suppressing employee voices, even though some colleagues have expressed reluctance to comment publicly, as noted by CNN’s Larry Madowo.
In response to the circumstances of Olubumni’s death, KUGWO has appealed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for a comprehensive probe and urged the Ministry of Labour to investigate the company’s labor practices. The union is particularly focused on potential breaches of labor laws, unauthorized wage deductions, and mistreatment of workers while advocating for workers’ rights to join trade unions, as enshrined in Article 41 of the Kenyan Constitution.
This incident has arisen amidst previous allegations against the same outsourcing firm, where Facebook content moderators have reported poor working conditions, inadequate compensation, and a damaging work culture. Numerous moderators have indicated that they were misled regarding the nature of the content they would review, leading to mental health issues, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This situation highlights the pressing need to enhance labor rights and protections for gig workers.
The death of Ladi Anzaki Olubumni has sparked widespread outrage and demands for improved labor rights in Kenya’s outsourcing sector. As the KUGWO calls for thorough investigations into her death and the practices of the outsourcing firm, this incident has brought to light the challenges faced by gig workers, such as poor working conditions and lack of proper support. There exists an urgent need for policy reforms to safeguard the rights and well-being of workers in such industries.
Original Source: www.mwakilishi.com
