The global spread of COVID-19 has prompted unprecedented measures to contain the virus, including the temporary shutdown of business and widespread restrictions on movement. Around the world, travel plans and workplaces have been disrupted and work habits changed. Yet throughout the pandemic, it has been business as usual for some offshore call center agents in Tunisia and Morocco, who continued handling calls and queries on behalf of multinational companies to serve the needs of clients and customers abroad. This briefing summarizes some of the key human rights risks to workers in this sector, and considers the steps taken by ten call centers operating in and six clients outsourcing services to Tunisia and/or Morocco to protect workers amidst the crisis. We found that the pandemic has exacerbated systemic risks of economic hardship, psychological strain – due to long hours under constant surveillance, verbal abuse and stress – and introduced new risks linked to health hazards amid the virus. Similar concerns have been reported in other parts of the world, including South Korea, the US and Brazil, underscoring the endemic, transnational nature of these risks, which have long been a reality for many call center workers. The briefing also outlines recommendations for companies to address these

Disconnected: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Call Center Workers‘ rights in Tunisia and Morocco - Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, 2020 DOWNLOAD

post

page

attachment

revision

nav_menu_item

custom_css

customize_changeset

oembed_cache

user_request

wp_block

wp_template

wp_template_part

wp_global_styles

wp_navigation

wp_font_family

wp_font_face

acf-taxonomy

acf-post-type

acf-field-group

acf-field

ai1ec_event

exactmetrics_note

What works to end modern slavery? A review of evidence on policy and interventions in the context of crisis
Publications

Modern slavery thrives in crisis situations. During conflicts, natural and man-made disasters, and humanitarian situations, adults and children are vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. Conflict situations often exacerbate existing vulnerabili...Read More

Are you Complying with the EU Sustainability-related Disclosures Regulation?
Publications

The legal landscape for financial market participants (FMPs) regarding sustainability and human rights has drastically changed and more regulation is on its way, both at the EU and AT national levels. This briefing paper is meant to give a short ove...Read More

ITUC Global Rights Index 2016: The World’s Worst Countries for Workers
Publications

The 2016 ITUC Global Rights Index shows workers’ rights were weakened in almost all regions of the world, including through severe crackdowns on the right to free speech and assembly. Part I of this publication provides a more detailed analysi...Read More

TAGS: Global
Child Labour Practical Guide
GuidancePublications

Stakeholders and individuals can take action and make a difference for children in 2021. To find out how to make an Action Pledge, share your journey, and scale up, browse this Practical Guide. Flip through this guide to find examples of 2021 Act...Read More

TAGS: Global