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ITF to build trade union profile in call centre industry
12 January 2006
The ITF has kickstarted a programme to develop call centre know-how as part of moves to strengthen the role of trade unions in the transport call centre industry.
Through extended cooperation with the global union for skills and services, Union Network International (UNI), the ITF will gather information on call centres to help set up an organising strategy for transport call centre workers. This will involve finding out the extent of affiliates’ involvement in transport call centres, including details of any agreements and best practice. Union representatives are also being asked about their views on a minimum standards code covering transport workers in call centres.
“Overall call centre workers suffer low-grade working conditions coupled with the specific health and safety risks that accompany high staff turnover, low wages and a lack of recognition of skills. The sector also employs disproportionately high numbers of young female workers. That’s why organising in the sector is vital,” comments Sarah Finke, ITF Women’s Officer.
The ITF’s first meetings on call centres in the transport industry took place in 2004; there delegates agreed to carry out further research to identify how inter-union links could be established to facilitate call centre worker organisation.
For more information on this issue and to feedback your views, email Gabriel Craciun Craciun_Gabriel@itf.org.uk sending a copy to the ITF Secretariat mail@itf.org.uk.
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