Tech companies should keep sick pay benefits after the coronavirus pandemic has passed

It took a global pandemic for big tech companies to protect their hourly workers, support staff, and independent contractors with an economic safety net. But what will happen when the virus passes? Amazon, Apple, Box, DoorDash, Facebook, Google, Instacart, Microsoft, Lyft, Postmates, Slack, Twitter, and Uber have all announced some form of compensation for non-full-time employees for time they have to spend away from work due to potential illness or self-quarantining. These workers are critical to the success of all these companies.

But for many of them, any hour they aren’t working is an hour they’re not earning money. The same has not been true for most of the highly paid full-time staff they support. The specific policies vary, but many companies are offering up to two weeks of sick pay if an employee misses work due to the novel coronavirus. But there’s some nuance to which companies are covering what class of workers.

Apple, for example, is offering sick pay to hourly staff that it employs directly, like shuttle drivers and cafeteria workers. Uber, on the other hand, is covering contractors who drive for the company — a type of worker it has consistently argued should not be eligible for the same kind of benefits and rights as employees. But why now? Here’s what the tech giants are saying: Amazon: This additional pay while away from work is to ensure employees have the time they need to return to good health without the worry of lost pay.

Microsoft: We’re committed as a company to making public health our first priority and doing what we can to address the economic and societal impact of COVID-19. We appreciate that what’s affordable for a large employer may not be affordable for a small business, but we believe that large employers who can afford to take this type of step should consider doing so. Postmates: With over half of Americans unable to afford a $400 unexpected expense, the Postmates Fleet Relief Fund will enable couriers to take proactive and preventive personal health care steps by covering costs for medical check-ups, regardless of whether the courier has been diagnosed or quarantined. Twitter: Our top priority remains the health and safety of our Tweeps, and we also have a responsibility to support our communities, those who are vulnerable, and the healthcare providers who are on the front lines of this pandemic.