Negotiations aimed at settling Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and a group of Kenyan content moderators, who have filed a lawsuit claiming unfair dismissal, have broken down. This information was communicated on Monday by a technology rights organization collaborating with the moderators.
In the earlier part of this year, a total of 184 moderators initiated legal action against Meta and two subcontractors. They alleged losing their jobs with subcontractor Sama due to their efforts in organizing a union. Subsequently, they claimed being blacklisted from applying for similar positions at a different firm, Majorel, following a change in contractors by Facebook.
During August, the court instructed the involved parties to engage in settlement discussions outside of court. It was clarified that if these negotiations were unsuccessful, the case would then proceed within the courtroom.
On Monday, the British tech rights group Foxglove issued a statement, declaring that the negotiations had collapsed. They accused Meta and Sama of inadequately addressing the fundamental concerns raised by the petitioners, indicating minimal effort on their part.
Meta has responded to prior allegations of a substandard working environment in Kenya by asserting that it mandates its partners to maintain industry-leading conditions for their employees.
Furthermore, the moderators contend that Meta is actively attempting to terminate their contracts in disregard of a prior court order. A hearing to consider their petition to hold Meta and Sama in contempt of court is slated for October 31, as disclosed by Foxglove.