NEW GLASGOW - A total of 191 people will lose their jobs when the local call centre, ICT, closes its doors at the end of June.
It's a major layoff, which will leave a large group of people without income and the various benefits provided by steady employment.
Pictou East MLA Clarrie MacKinnon heard the news Tuesday night and has since floated the possibility of a transition centre, similar to one created for former TrentonWorks employees, to Labour and Workforce Development Minister Mark Parent.
"I believe that we have to have a transition effort put in place in relationship to these employees and every assistance possible given to them," MacKinnon said.
"Every kind of training and upgrade should be made available to these folks. I'm hearing some pretty hard situations may develop, where the whole family was depending on that one income, from the single parent perspective."
MacKinnon said he also plans to "make overtures" to Service Canada in the homes that employment insurance benefits make it to the displaced ICT employees when the time comes.
He believes that, given the number of people losing their jobs, special attentions should be paid to their situation at the federal level.
Central Nova MP Peter MacKay was out of the office on Wednesday but spokesperson Cindy McInnes said MacKay feels for those affected.
"The minister is concerned for the well being of everyone affected by this downturn.
The company itself has noted that the decision was a difficult one and based on its needs, not on the exceptional workforce it employed."
Faus Johnson, Pictou County Chamber of Commerce executive director, said he was taken aback by the news.
"It's kind of a surprise to all of us. We weren't expecting this. Anything that affects the employment in Pictou County is certainly devastating news."
But he said said this type of news is all the more reason to make efforts to attract new businesses for the county.
"It's all the more reason to be out beating the bushes to get businesses to come here," he said.
Pictou West MLA Charlie Parker was disappointed when he heard the news. "It's disheartening. You're never pleased to hear when of our main employers is closing."
Parker said there is a social cost to such a closure.
"I understand there are a number of young families, it's a younger workforce that depend on these packages."
He went on to say that he is hopeful that the company and province lends a hand to those who are losing their jobs.
"I hope they step up to the plate to help these workers to find other jobs."
A statement from the company has said the call centre is closing due to changing economic conditions.
Calling it quits
Calling it quits
- Published on April 9th, 2009
- Published on December 30th, 2009
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Ray Burns & Sean Kelly
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Comments
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- darlene
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:26:50
just to let you know... Resolve in bridgewater is hiring as is liverpool.
sorry to all, best of luck.
Dar in Queens Co -
- Lee
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:26:49
Good luck to everyone from ICT; I hope everything works out for all of you. Times may be tough but hopefully everyone makes it through.
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- Disheartened in NG
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:26:01
This news just sickens me. I had been on welfare for a year (single mom) prior to being hired here. I looked for a job for a whole year before I was lucky enough to find a job at ICT. Mind you, there are alot of part time minimum wage jobs around, but nothing that was enough to get off the system and live on without starving to death and being kicked out of my home. I was so happy to finally find a full time job with great benefits. That was back in November and here five months later I hear I'm losing my job. I am so disheartened to think how long it will be before I find a job again in this town that will be enough to live on for me and my son. I never saw this one coming as I'm sure no one did. My heart goes out to all my fellow workers...
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- Jr
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:17:25
This comment has been removed by a moderator.
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- MA
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:10:48
Grim Reaper....Its SPELLED not SPELT
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- Trevor
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:08:06
Spot on Phil.
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- arthur
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:06:25
my heart goes out to all the employees who are about to loose their jobs. I know from what I hear the medical benifits are as precious as the wages themselves. My hope is that everyone of you will find alternate employement in the local area.
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- The Grim
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:50:38
So could someone call the News' Headquarters in Montreal and put in a request to buy a spell checker program. Calling is spelt with two Ls not one . THANK YOU.
As to the Company well please spare us . Like most call Centres they are only here for one thing Government Money for the province for Employment Numbers and the Area is having a hard time with Recruiting as people know what a Call Centre is . A temporary job. Watch for the other place to leave citing the economy while they rack up huge profits.
A Change in Provincial Government is probably going to be the end of Call Centres in Nova Scotia . These Companies don't exactly like Unions or Governments that don't lick there heals. -
- Trevor
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:44:10
Grim Ripper...it is their not there ...THANK YOU. Learn how to use punctuation and full sentences too. That was painful.
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- The Grim
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:35:19
Yah a gateway job. A Phone Monkey which with one contract at this company was making those annoying calls to sell you Credit Card benefits and the latest being tech support for Rogers . Call a spade a spade for what it is . These places put incredible stresses on these employees basically wanting them to Quit so the company can apply for more tax rebates. Worked at the other guys and they have lost yet another client. Gee I wonder why , Perhaps no one really wants to work there
It is the most insincere revolving door for an industry anywhere . The Turn over rate is probably the highest. I personally outlasted my entire class by double the time or a mere 6 months. They may say then employ 400 but since being here they have pretty much worn out their welcome. Hence why the constant recruiting. Now Hiring they never stopped LOL.
Many employees leave once the EI can kick in because Call Centres have absolutely no redeeming qualities what so ever and little in skills are gained .
What did you do before this . Well I was a mindless Phone Monkey until the public demanded a no call list in Canada or Bangalore said they would do it cheaper .
If the Government really wanted these unemployed people to get some skills they would put them to work sorting garbage because basically that has more skills involved then answering a phone, far less abuse and a job that actually contributes to society rather then being a Pawl like the Governments basically are for these corporations . -
- Phone
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:31:28
Have some compassion for the people losing their jobs liek you did when every other place closed & shut down in the county. Where is the great PC county spirit now???? This comment has been edited by a moderator.
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- Rose
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:22:10
Grim Ripper, why are you being so mean. Who cares if someone made a spelling or punctuation mistake. We all can't be perfect. Also , it doesn't matter if you are a doctor, policeman, garbage collector or whatever, as long as you do an honest days work. I feel really bad for the people at ICT.
A job is a job and it allowed people to get off welfare and put food on their table. I hope everyone will be able to get other jobs. Good luck everyone. -
- NS Mom
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:12:05
I too feel bad for the employees of ICT. Although there were some bad days, the pay was above min wage and had medical benefits....which is hard to get these days. And the friends I have met are a bonus. The company and managment were very flexible with hours to those who had appts or just needed time off for personal reasons and those needing to modify their schedules. Sometimes too flexible. The people were great to work with and the people definately felt like family, especially when one of our own had passed away and unfortunately there have been several times that has happened.
I hope the government can do whatever they can to help these people. They are definately going to need it. -
- Darlene
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:11:04
To Grim Ripper - First off I would like to know if you are employed or have ever been employed at a call center? Personally I can't speak of other call centers except ICT where I have worked for the last almost two years. To me it is more than a job - it's more like family. I've laughed and cried with most of them and the thought of not seeing the majority of these people on a regular basis is truly heartbreaking. As of Tuesday to see the reaction to the announcement that ICT was closing was heartbreaking to say the least. ICT employs everyone from grandparents to single parents who have no idea what to do from this point on. To say that I find your remarks disparaging is an understatement. Please give some thought to what you write or say before you write or say it. From an ICT employee and who is proud of it!
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- Tim
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:10:21
Actually Ma Da, spelt is an acceptable spelling of the word. This comment has been edited by a moderator.
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- Matt
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:59:54
Very disheartening.......... Do you realise that the provincial government will pay for the training of new employees for these call centres, granted they hire an agreed upon quota? Sounds like the call centre took the money and ran. Again, lets hold the politicians accountable. Peter MacKay expressed his heartfelt concerns...WHATEVER. We are still waiting for the new buyer of Trenton Works. Since Peter got shafted from his NATO job, he should be thankful the people of Central Nova still have him in office. Start doing something for the county Peter! Good grief!
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- Christina
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:52:10
Why does this County always tear up peoples comments? Seriously topics always end up as arguments that have totally nothing to do about the article. Who cares about spelling?? WOW
I worked at CVG and loved it as a CSA and I had my own family business I worked in as well!!!
Stop being Haters be Appreciaters!:) -
- Phil
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:47:13
Grim Ripper - A job is a job. Some use call centers as a gateway others extend there stay and some stay cause they actually like it.
I guess in no other lines of business you would see off shoring eh? What happened at Trenton Works? What is possible for Michelin or the pulm mills?
Your attitude and opinion is dated...jobs are jobs and we could use these 100+ jobs back. -
- From Alberta
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:42:39
Yes, many people see call centres as a PT entry level job, that does nothing more than just answer calls. This could not be farther from the truth. The types of jobs, especially the front line employess can be one of the most challenging and rewarding at the same time. It is not easy to do what they do, and I am more than 100% confident that they have proven time and time again that they all have the ability to make ICT proud of thier performance. This is a direct relation to the market and not the performance of the call center. The old analogy stands true, you get out of it what you put into it. ICT and call centers can open many doors for anyone, both personally and professionally, however you need to make that effort. I am not just sitting here on my soap box ranting, I know this first hand. I too started at ICT, and it has opened more doors for my career and taken me all over the world than any other job has done for me. You can't start at the top, however from what I have learned with my many years at ICT not just New Glasgow has made who I am today. No matter what happens in the economy, more now than ever, the need for caring customer service orientated people is previlant. I wish them all the best of luck. I am proud to say that ICT started my career.
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- phone monkey
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:40:59
Dear Grim Reaper,
Just so you know working at a call center is not always mindless work, anymore than it is to make tires, I have done both and a call center is actually more rewarding than physical labour. Some people may not know know this but you actually can learn a lot from the people you actually talk to and not all call centers are selling things. Convergys for instance has many different aspects to it, none of which were to call people and sell credit cards. How much have youl earned in your job...I can tell you I have learned a great deal from mine. People should not stick there nose up at jobs at a call center..it is a job and it keeps people from going on welfare, its people off welfare and the medical and dental benifits are way better than at any other job that I have had. Do you pay for your benifits...I know I don't. It is very disheartening that you would make snide remarks at those people who actually work hard for their money and to provide for their families. -
- PS
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:39:56
Disheartened - With your call center experience you should have no problems getting on at Convergys! Chances are you will get a better pay, ve a similar job in the same location, and medical/dental benefits. Start applying before everyone else from ICT does!
