Union backing for call centres

The National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) yesterday indicated that it would be throwing its support behind the international calling centres, and is calling for the immediate regularisation of all centres throughout TT. In a release from NATUC’s general secretary, Vincent Cabrera, it was stated that this was also “to preserve the jobs of over 400 young workers as well as the inexpensive service being provided by the call centres operators.”

Cabrera claimed that NATUC was questioning the Regulated Industries Commission’s (RIC) decision to close down the centres, “since this was done without any consideration being given to workers being thrown on the breadline.” Noting that the centres “have been operating for a considerable period of time, and it was the responsibility of the RIC to have taken whatever action was necessary when the centres were initially established,” Cabrera said it was now too late “as hundreds of workers have already secured employment.”

NATUC also regards the calling centres as a provider of an inexpensive service to the people of TT, and that our economic system should encourage the provision of services where the public stands to benefit from lower charges. NATUC also wants Government to appoint a labour representative to the Board of the Regulated Industries Commission.