VODAFONA SAYS IT IS “disappointed” that some of its employees have decided to take industrial action in a dispute over the company’s plans to outsource its mobile customer care operation to a new third party.
Rigney Dolphin is currently involved in Vodafone’s customer care service in the Republic, but this service is being transferred to Teleperformance. The move affects 26 jobs at Vodafone and 290 with Rigney Dolphin, according to Vodafone.
“Every employee affected can transfer to Teleperformance under their existing terms and conditions,” Vodafone said in a statement. “Vodafone acknowledge that many roles affected may relocate to Newry, where Teleperformance is headquartered. The company also recognises that some employees may not be in a position to relocate in these circumstances.”
Yesterday, Vodafone workers who are members of the Communications Workers’ Union voted in favour of industrial action. The union said that 262 members voted for and just two against the action.
The union has accused Vodafone of failing to address employee concerns in a clear and forthright manner, while CWU deputy general secretary Terry Delaney accused the company of being “arrogant, callous and deceitful in their treatment of workers”.
He said the company had shown little consideration for employees in terms of the impact of the company’s decision on their livelihoods and the future of their families.
In a statement this morning, Vodafone says it is still engaged in consultations with workers and with the CWU. “Specifics for individuals impacted by the move to Teleperformance forms an essential part of the consultation and any solutions for those who will not relocate to Newry is being discussed through the process,” it said.
“Vodafone will continue to engage with the CWU and do everything possible to ensure that people are kept informed of developments and projected timelines.”
Vodafone currently employs over 1,200 people in Ireland; in January, around 130 people were laid off when their roles were outsourced to Egypt and India.
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