FIRSTSOURCE WORKERS found out they had been suspended from work after seeing their names had been removed from a work schedule.
It is also alleged that other workers were able to work out who had been suspended – and who was going to be suspended – based on this schedule.
Dozens of staff have been suspended, with one estimate putting the total number at more than 100.
This has been condemned by trades union leaders in Derry.
The controversy surrounding call centres in the city erupted last week after a consistent number of complaints to Derry Daily from staff and former staff who said efforts elsewhere to highlight their claims had failed.
However following our story unions in the city stepped in and dozens of workers met union representatives in the city on Saturday.
“More people arrived at work on Sunday only to find they’ve been suspended,” said Derry Trades Union Council’s Liam Gallagher.
“They have found this out through a schedule! This is wrong, workers you should be advised of any suspension in writing.
“Should any workers be suspended they should ask for this in writing and they should ask why they have been suspended.
“They are entitled to be accompanied by an accredited companion or trade union representative to any meeting they will have to go to following a suspension.”
Workers have given varying descriptions of life inside Firstsource.
The row – which has taken over social media discussion in Derry over the weekend – involves two separate threads.
One relates to the alleged treatment of some staff and ex-staff at Firstsource.
The other relates to the suspensions where some staff have been accused of failing to keep proper records. In turn some of those workers say they were following instructions given to them and believe they are being scapegoated after complaints from a leading client of Firstsource.
Union leaders say membership of a union will entitle workers to representation and free legal advice in the event it is needed.
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