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Call
centre does not have to be a sweat shop: USDAW partnership deal and state-of-the-art site marks new era for personnel in Manchester centre A brand new partnership agreement between USDAW and home shopping company JD Williams heralds a new beginning for staff at the firm’s ultra-modern call centre in Manchester. The deal consolidates and improves the union’s existing long standing relationship with the company, and opens up huge potential membership growth at the site. “I’m very pleased with this deal,” said Divisional Officer John McGarry at the special signing day held at the company’s premises. “This is all about us working together to solve problems, sort out issues, and improve communications between us at all levels of the business. “We can all be very proud of the new agreement, and I’m confident working conditions will improve and our membership will increase. The support from our reps and the company has been excellent.” More than 1,300 employees The new site boasts gym facilities, cafe areas and a restaurant. It employs more than 1,300 employees across a number of shifts. Human Resources Business Manager Jonathan Potter believes the new deal ties in perfectly with the new site. “Call centres have been called modern day sweat shops,” he said. “Not any more. Anyone visiting the site can’t fail to notice the relaxed atmosphere and the positive working environment. I think this fantastic facility, and the new deal, will mark us out from other call centres. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I genuinely believe both sides have the desire to make it work.” Usdaw’s presence at the centre is led by a well-organised team of reps. Linda Craven, who has worked for the company for nine years, is the senior rep on site. “This deal, and the new site, is the result of a lot of hard work,” she said. “The new agreement puts everything down in black and white, setting out clearly all of the procedures. “It also allows us full induction facilities and access to new starters. The company also introduce USDAW membership as an important part of working here, so that’s very encouraging. “The deal also gives us access to information and a bigger say in business decisions. This is all part of the improved communications between us.” The successful team is made up of Marie Taylor, Richard Ward, Ade Adeniran and Sata rep Steven Warke. The union has around 750 members at the site and is looking to build on this solid foundation over the coming months.
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