Skip to main content
One of Portland’s biggest employers is bringing employees back to the office, even as the rise of the Delta variant fills hospital beds and other corporations are delaying the return of employees to offices.
Daimler Trucks North America sent an email to all of its Portland employees Sept. 2, announcing its decision to uphold its original plan to bring employees back this week.
“While the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic remains dynamic and fluid, we will continue to welcome our employees back to the office as the hybrid workforce pilot formally begins on Sept. 7 as planned,” the email says. “Please follow location-specific masking policies, which remain in effect pursuant to state and municipal ordinances, or as dictated by local leadership.”
Daimler employs 3,000 workers in Oregon; office employees work at the gleaming Portland headquarters adjacent to the Willamette River.
Company management said in the email that some employees had expressed concerns about returning to the office and indicated they would prefer to continue working remotely. “We acknowledge and respect this, while remaining committed to delivering the fantastic experience and support our customers deserve and need—now more than ever,” the email says. “If this is the case for you, please work with your manager to make any adjustments needed to your hybrid work schedule while masks are still required.”
Communications from and between employees obtained by WW show that some Daimler employees who objected to returning to the office are still being required by their managers to come in.
One employee wrote to WW: “Although the [email] states management can make adjustments, mine has refused to allow continued work from home despite direct concerns for our family’s safety.”
The employee added: “Under the current ‘hybrid return to office’ plan, employees are forced to come to work on a set number of days per week. This is: commute to work, sit in cubes less than 6 feet apart all day long, with masks on, to carry out video calls which could be done just as well from their home, while nearby the hospitals fill with COVID patients.”
Employees tell WW that Daimler has not implemented a vaccine requirement. Daimler did not respond to WW’s request for comment on its stance on vaccinations.
One employee noted that many of their colleagues are unvaccinated, and that office workers will be expected to meet in conference rooms starting this week.
A Daimler spokesperson says the company will be flexible.
“For our office staff, there is no formal requirement for number of days in the office under our hybrid workforce pilot,” says Daimler spokesman Fred Liguori. “Instead, it is role-specific and schedules are determined by employees working in consultation with their managers.”