Verizon is reportedly launching investigations into possible violations of its Verizon Supplier Code of Conduct, following allegations of “pervasive abuses” at company-contracted warehouses. That’s according to reports released on May 2, so it’s still a bit too early for Verizon to provide any concrete details. With that said, the investigation is said to have been spurred on by at least one letter from leaders in the “TimesUp” and “MeToo” movements. The groups wrote a letter to Verizon CEO Lowell C. McAdam and the board of directors, asking for meetings to discuss issues with sexual harassment and misconduct at the warehouses. However, the instances of abuse do not rest on that letter alone.
Workers at least one Memphis warehouse contracted by the wireless provider have filed what appears to be a related series of complaints with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). That warehouse is said to be owned by XPO Logistics. The warehouse is said to employ around 900 workers, who distribute Verizon products to customers and retail locations. No fewer than eight workers at the warehouse have filed allegations, with claims that supervisors at the warehouse were responsible for the abuses. Claims ranged from groping to commentary about the workers’ bodies. Worse, the workers claimed to have no recourse due to what they claim is retaliation for reports about harassment or abuse. In the wake of those allegations against Verizon’s suppliers and distribution network, the groups had planned to rally outside of the company’s shareholder meeting, which took place today.
There haven’t been any subsequent reports, as of this writing, with regard to whether or not those moved forward. Bearing that in mind, the overarching goal seems to have been to convince Verizon’s executives and leadership to meet with workers in its supply chain. It bears repeating, as mentioned above, that Verizon is said to be looking into the issue on its end. However, investigations such as this tend to take some time to accomplish and the details aren’t always as clear as might be desired. In the meantime, Verizon has previously shown that it does not take behaviors that breach its code of conduct lightly. So it should only be a matter of time before more information is brought to light.