C&W defends position against lashes

Published: Monday September 22, 2008

TELECOMMUNICATIONS company Cable & Wireless has come under fire from Barbados' lone Independent Parliamentarian Hamilton Lashley.

Speaking to the DAILY NATION in an exclusive interview, Lashley was fuming over reports he received that more than 2 000 workers region-wide would be sent home soon from the company.

"I am calling on all governments where C&W is operating to come together in an urgent meeting to stop them from currently going ahead to lay-off over 2 000 Caribbean people.

"I find it hard to believe a firm that has made over $90 million after tax could be at a serious time like this downsizing their staff to possibly just increase their profit margin," the former Barbados Labour Party MP said.

Lashley said that he had confidence in his source of information and further stated that Barbados would see over 200 workers on the breadline.

"They are not socially conscious at all. Sponsorship does not count . . . that simply balances back out to tax relief, and in my view, keeping people employed is what is really exhibiting that commitment to the people who have supported you," he said.

Corporate communications consultant for C&W Caribbean, Julian Rogers, while confirming job losses said he was not sure where Lashley got his figures.

"The matter of job cuts was confirmed ever since the discussion about transformation started in May.

"People know that cuts are coming but they do not know exactly how many or where. This has been communicated to the staff and they also know that it will happen over a period of time . . . 12 to 18 months.

"I want [to] reiterate as well that in addition to any cuts that take place, additional jobs will become available and current employees will have the chance and already have started applying.

'Better company'

"We also want to ensure that the jobs people have are sustainable over time. The emphasis here is not on just cutting jobs but making a better company, first for the customer, secondly for the colleagues and thirdly for the share-holder interest," Rogers said.

Initial reports on the situation were that the numbers cut would amount to 1 200 across the region, reducing C&W's workforce to 2 500 while the contact centre currently located here, in Barbados, would be moved to St Lucia.

The DAILY NATION also understands that a name change may also be in the works; but Rogers could not confiram this.


Source: Nation Newspapers
http://www.nationnews.com/story/294679232405448.php