Technology workers in Kenya mourn the death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok moderator, who died after being unable to return to Nigeria for two years. Her death reflects the challenging conditions faced by content moderators at subcontracted firms, prompting discussions about labor practices and support. Teleperformance denies claims of denying her leave, yet discontent among workers persists.
In Nairobi, Kenya, technology workers recently held a vigil for Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator, who died under unclear circumstances after being unable to return to her home in Nigeria for two years. Olubunmi’s decomposing body was discovered in her residence three days after her death. Although the cause of her demise remains undetermined, colleagues reported that she had been expressing feelings of fatigue and was “desperate to go back home.”
The company employing Olubunmi, Teleperformance Kenya, did not respond to inquiries from The Associated Press. A statement from Teleperformance claimed that rumors of Olubunmi being denied leave were “baseless and untrue.” However, numerous content moderators from subcontracted firms in Kenya have previously revealed challenging work conditions, including inadequate pay, a lack of mental health support, long hours, and experiences of intimidation.
In light of these issues, over 100 former Facebook content moderators have initiated legal action against the social media company, alleging poor pay, adverse working conditions, and unjust termination by the subcontracted firm Samasource. During the vigil, moderators and data labelers from various global tech companies discussed how the difficult working conditions may have played a role in Olubunmi’s untimely death.
Kauna Malgwi, a friend of the deceased, highlighted that there are over 100 Nigerians working under Teleperformance who have not received work permits in the last two years, preventing them from returning home despite possessing an annual return ticket benefit. The news of Olubunmi’s death was conveyed to her family the day following the discovery of her body. Teleperformance informed her brother via email, providing him with contacts of Kenyan investigative officers for further information regarding the autopsy and burial processes.
Regrettably, Olubunmi’s family is unable to afford the expenses required to transport her body back home and is considering reaching out to her church in Nairobi for assistance in burial arrangements.
The tragic death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi has raised serious concerns regarding the working conditions for content moderators at subcontracted firms in Kenya. Many employees have voiced grievances about inadequate pay, mental health support, and overall treatment, leading to potential legal action against major companies. As the investigation continues, the plight of Olubunmi’s family highlights the urgency for improved labor practices and support for workers in the tech industry.
Original Source: www.2news.com
