Big Business Pledged Gentler Capitalism. It’s Not Happening in Pandemic.

“The coronavirus pandemic has evolved dramatically in the last few weeks, and we continue to do our best to take care of associates, guests, owners and our business,” Mr. McManus said later in a statement. “We have now suspended all dividends.”

The Business Roundtable declined to make executives available to discuss how signatories have responded to the crisis. In a statement, a spokeswoman, Jessica Boulanger, portrayed their efforts as consistent with their lofty aspirations.

“The Covid-19 crisis has triggered an impressive demonstration by leading companies of their commitment to the long-term interests of all stakeholders,” she said. “Overwhelmingly, BRT members who remain financially able to do so are stepping up with voluntary measures to support their customers, employees, suppliers and communities during the crisis.“

Amazon, another signatory, has seen protests flare outside warehouses in several American cities, as workers complain that the company — valued at more than $1 trillion — has failed to provide protective gear like masks and hand sanitizers, exposing them to the virus.

Amazon says it has ordered and distributed millions of masks, has been cleaning its facilities rigorously and has increased pay for hourly employees.

“We are working hard to keep employees safe while serving communities and the most vulnerable,” the company said in a statement, declining an interview request.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/13/business/business-roundtable-coronavirus.html