Workers Allege Intimidation and Deception in Voting Campaign

In a troubling report, workers involved in a political canvassing effort linked to Elon Musk’s America PAC have come forward with serious allegations of being deceived and threatened. The situation unfolded in Michigan, where these canvassers faced uncomfortable conditions while attempting to mobilize voters.

Unsafe Conditions and Pressure

Documented accounts reveal a chaotic environment for the canvassers, particularly during transportation in a U-Haul van. According to recordings obtained by WIRED, a driver, who was recovering from recent surgery, expressed his physical struggle while driving. “I just had surgery, bro,” he confessed, showcasing the physically taxing and potentially unsafe conditions the workers experienced.

Concern rippled through the group as one canvasser expressed fear for their safety during the harrowing ride. The driver echoed frustrations about management's sole focus being the performance metrics, rather than the welfare of the workers: “And all [the manager] is concerned about is how many motherfuckin’ doors the bitch got.”

Strict Performance Guidelines

The contracts signed by these door knockers included stringent performance expectations. They were obligated to keep their GPS services activated during working hours and were instructed that each door knock must be completed in under 15 seconds, while spending at least 30 seconds on the property. This heavy pressure raises concerns about the well-being of the canvassers and the urgency to meet performance benchmarks over personal safety.

Moreover, the America PAC utilized a limited-functionality mobile application, Campaign Sidekick, which did not offer geo-tracking capabilities, necessitating constant GPS use on personal devices. This created issues as workers had to use offline tools that didn’t allow real-time uploads or GPS support, complicating their responsibilities in the field.

Dressed for Success?

Interestingly, even the appearance of the canvassers was regulated with specific guidelines. Workers were instructed to wear a red polo shirt paired with khaki pants or jeans, while any clothing that featured graffiti, writing, or ripped designs was strictly prohibited. This focus on uniformity emphasizes the formal expectations placed on canvassers even amid challenging working conditions.

While the America PAC canvassing effort aimed at influencing voter turnout, the allegations of mistreatment highlight a disturbing side to political campaigning that prioritizes results over the well-being of its workers. Such revelations could have lasting implications for future voter mobilization strategies, especially concerning worker rights and conditions.

These developments were reported by WIRED.

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