Coworking operator WeWork sent out a memo to some employees this week, offering them $100 per day to come in and work. This offer was extended to “community employees” who deal with tasks such as handling mail for WeWork tenants and administrative duties.
Although New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has ordered all nonessential businesses to keep all of their workforce at home to combat the coronavirus outbreak, WeWork is claiming that keeping some of their offices open is essential because of the work certain tenants are doing. The company listed “member quotes” in the memo describing some of these firms.
“Our company is working with Health Care companies, hospitals and delivery companies involved in combating COVID-19 and as such our business is essential and needs to remain supported and able to access WeWork locations throughout the country during this time.”
Although hospitals and clinics are clearly essential businesses, WeWork’s role of providing them office space is in a gray area.
