TelstraClear looks to cut up to 120 jobs

TelstraClear will cut up to 120 call centre jobs in New Zealand, moving the service to Manila in the Philippines.

About 75 workers in TelstraClear's Christchurch office were told yesterday that their jobs would likely be cut. The proposal follows a five-month feasibility study by the company to see whether it was cheaper to outsource call centre work to Manila.

TelstraClear spokesperson Chris Mirams said the proposal was about better customer service but admitted it would also saved the company millions of dollars.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union Organiser John Kerr condemned the move, saying it would be suicide for the company's brand in exchange for limited financial gains.

"This is all about accessing so-called cheap labour overseas but comes at an enormous price for our members, many of whom are just starting out and have young families to support," he said.

"We've been making the case to keep these jobs in New Zealand since last November when TelstraClear said they were conducting a feasibility study into shifting their call centres offshore. Today they told us they thought the case for going offshore stacked up."

The union says it believes up to 170 jobs will be affected.

But TelstraClear says 120 jobs are under consideration, including 75 in Christchurch, but it is only a proposal at this stage. 

- © Fairfax NZ News