CLOSE TO 1,000 call center agents in Baguio City are crying foul over the alleged employment schemes of business processing outsourcing (BPO) company, Sitel.
The newly formed Sitel Philippines Baguio Association of Rank and File Workers composed of company’s employee sought the help of concerned groups and the City Council over the “re-deployment program” of the company, which they described as inhuman and has demoted regular employees to virtually floating status.
Sitel agent Vicente Toca III, who was recently redeployed, said he has been working with the company for four years when suddenly a waiver was ordered for them to sign.
The waiver explains the account, which Toca is working under has closed thus, affecting employees.
The waiver states while the company is looking for an account to which the transfer of Toca will fall, he will be in a “Lateral back to zero; no work, no pay” status.
Under the program, Toca, although working for a number of years with the company will have to undergo a series of exams and re-assessments.
The company also stated if a resignation is desired, the proper letter should be submitted by the employee, with the waiver signed by the Sitel Human Resource manager.
Toca said the program demoted regular employees from a regular to newly hired, with pay plunging from the P12,000 standard for regular employees to a P10,000 basic pay without the benefits of a health card.
He added the program applies to a number of accounts, which the company said has closed but is ironically on an aggressive hiring program at the same time.
Months ago, Sitel inaugurated its fourth site at the SM Baguio Cyberzone, which features a recruitment hub, the latest workspace technology and design, a full service cafeteria, lounge area, and nest in design and innovative interiors.
In the first quarter, Sitel was named to the 2016 Outsourcing 100 list by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals recognizing it as a leading global customer care provider.
VoxPop Baguio got in touch with Sitel senior director, partner communications Christine Matriano and said a statement will be given the following days.
