In response to concern from House members about the company’s working conditions, XPO Logistics announced there will be an independent investigation into the allegations made and new policy for pregnant employees.
Shortly after 97 House members sent a letter to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce urging an investigation of the many allegations of “disturbing treatment” of employees at XPO’s warehouses around the country, including one here, the company responded in a Tuesday statement, saying it has “an absolute commitment to providing a safe workplace for all of our employees.”
“We take seriously recent allegations concerning one of our warehouses and have launched an independent investigation,” the statement said.
The investigation will be led by Tina Tchen of Buckley Sandler’s, a Chicago-based firm that specializes in unique litigation, counseling, and crisis management skills. Tchen, an expert in gender equity and workplace cultural compliance, will investigate the workplace conditions of the warehouse and make recommendations for improvement, according to XPO.
Meanwhile, the company said they are taking “proactive steps to enhance our policies” with more accommodations for expecting mothers.
“As a woman, and as part of the XPO family, you’re entitled to special consideration if you’re expecting a baby,” the beginning of the company’s new policy reads. “Instead of wondering how you’ll balance pregnancy and work, you can feel secure in your job”
[pullquote-1]
The new policies and benefits will provide increased support for pregnant employees, paid family leave, and 30 new types of wellness benefits for women and families. XPO said its new Pregnancy Care Policy is “among the most progressive in the industry,” and exceeds requirements set by federal, state, and local laws.
“Our new approach is tailor-made to provide the kind of support pregnant women need, without impact for any temporary change in the nature of their work,” XPO’s statement reads. “We look forward to sharing more details about the work we do to foster a culture of respect and information regarding the enhanced policies and benefits we are launching to support women and families with these representatives.”
Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen, one of the 97 House members who sent a letter to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce Tuesday urging an investigation into claims against XPO, said he’s “encouraged” by XPO’s commitment to reform.
“I’m encouraged that XPO Logistics has made good on its commitment to me when we met in Memphis to make substantive reforms,” said Congressman Cohen. “I believe this is a step in the right direction, but we must continue to ensure that all workers are treated fairly, that the law reflects that and that companies across the country adhere to these core American values.”
XPO, which operates in 23 states, has faced several allegations of harassment, discrimination, and unsafe workplace conditions at its Verizon warehouse here in the past. In the last year, more than a dozen XPO employees around the country have filed Equal Employment Opportunity claims against the company relating to unsafe conditions.
