Company’s memo on bed bugs: Show up to get paid, or use PTO, unpaid leave – WXIA-TV

If workers want to get paid, they must show up to work.

Christopher Hopper, WXIA 10:37 PM. EDT June 29, 2017

(Photo: Hopper, Christopher)

CHAMBLEE, Ga. -- A memo obtained by 11Alive News has a tough message for employees affected by a bed bug infestation at a Chamblee business: If employees arent working, they are not getting paid.

11Alive has been reporting on the bed bugs situation atWipro in DeKalb County since last week, holding the powerful accountable. Thursday, Chris Hopper obtained the memo that was sent to employees, which lays out what employees can do.

The memo states:

Employees will be paid for all hours worked. If an employee has a medical issue related to bedbugs, he/she can file a claim through the WC program. Employees who choose not to come to the office may use PTO or simply take unpaid time off."

In that same memo,Wiprosaid the same rules apply if the company has to shut down the building for treatment for any length of time.

READ | Memo from Wipro regarding bed bug situation

Attorney Ed Buckley told 11Alive that policy is troublesome.

That is something that is occurring through no fault of the employee, he said.

Even for those who qualify for workers compensation, it's just a fraction of their regular pay.

This can be the difference between being able to buy groceries or pay the rent, make that car payment, Buckley said.

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That's Winter Phelps' biggest concern now. She told 11Alive she's had enough of the bed bug problem. The now formerWiprocall center employee resigned Wednesday in the wake of the bed bug infestation, the same day dozens of other employees walked off the job.

It makes me itch thinking about it, said Winter Phelps, former Wipro employee. Not only can I bring it home to my bed where I lay every night but it can spread throughout my house, Phelps said.

As a newer employee, she hadnt earned paid time off yet, so she quit knowing she couldnt step foot in that building again.

Im trying to figure out how Im going to pay my car note, other bills, its hard you know, and I think its awful the way theyre treating us, Phelps said.

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Wiprohas acknowledged the bed bugs at the Chamblee center and said they are taking action to control the infestation. The company said it's willing to pay for in home treatments and consultations for workers.

Buckley said that's a good thing they're trying to rectify the situation. He said the employees may also be able to get some relief from the building and the manager of the property.

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Company's memo on bed bugs: Show up to get paid, or use PTO, unpaid leave - WXIA-TV