The AT&T employees that are affected by the closure of three company call centers in Connecticut will be protesting today against that decision. The workers were offered to either move to Georgia and Tennessee, where the call centers will be located, or lose their jobs. Most of the workers are long-timers. My heart goes out to them.
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The announced the closing of the Kalamazoo Michigan call center as well. Eventually, all centers will be in collaboration zones or overseas.
Move just to get surplused later I hear.
@hmw - well said. totally agree with you.
I think the ship sailed when the Southern New England Telephone company (SNET) was sold to Frontier. The company is swimming in real estate - something I consider a factor in the curtailment of "work at home". Syracuse was another example of property coming off-lease.
Working at leased property, or property that can be sold is tenuous at best. Also, they have got to get rid of these itty-bitty call centers. I think a center should have at least 1000 people to get any economies in scale.
My advice: Don’t move somewhere you wouldn’t want to live without this job. Also, be careful to not consider the 20k ‘extra cash’ or anything, because unless you are debt free and move-ready, with one or two people - that money will all be needed for relocation. I’m surprised they even offered relocation assistance at all. I’m in ATO and we got hit hard, jobs are opening in collab zones but no cash assistance given.
The entire northeast is a giant sh--hole of high taxes bad weather and rude people. I’d take that package and move to the south in a heartbeat!
Gotta say, I’ve just run in to a lot of posters here who have no family, no friends and most importantly....No Children!
If you want to sell me on the “business is business” routine, ok...I can go with that.
Closing to consolidate, understood....don’t have to like it, but I understand that.
@vqo, $20,000, “that’s a lot of money!” You’re serious, right? You have made these moves before so you speak from experience, right? Oh, btw the Feds & State get a nice size chunks of the $20K...you know that, right? The move to Georgia, or Tennessee can run $5k or better...you, of course, know that, right?
What about housing, or apartment? Who takes time to go down there and check that out? More $$ out of that $20k. How long did it take you to buy your home? Assuming you’re not living at home with the parents.
People with kids need to check the school systems, you understand that, right?
How long will T allow you to do that? To take time off the job? More $$ from that $20K.
Yea, piece of cake....no worries.....except one:
What guarantees do you get that a year into your new home....you get Surplussed?
You were better off when you said, “if you don’t wanna move, don’t.” But this “cry’s me a River” garbage comes from a snot nose who hasn’t walked the walk and knows nothing of what they speak!
But that’s ok because, $20K is a lot of money....right?
Like a protest will change anything. Companies move jobs all the time. Just gotta s--- it up and use their skills in another job, or take the package and move.
20,000 is good money depending on your situation. Touching up a home to get it ready for sale, actual moving expenses, money lost if spouse has to find a job, etc. Timing also s---s right now if you have kids in school. Probably will need to maintain 2 places until the summer. Had to move a couple of times and did get some relocation money. After the first one I learned to treat it as blood money the 2nd.
Our entire Group in NC was surplussed last year. We were given the option to move to Conyers, GA. Problem was they gave us one week to decide. Not enough time to check the job market or anything, Just a quick yes or no. (In April, and many of us had kids in school)
Sad to hear.
How are you ‘protesting?’ If your kids are out of school, it might be a great opportunity. Nashville is nice, not sure Atlanta is so great but at least you’re getting some relocation. I support you in your effort to protest. I’m sure it won’t change anything but get the media’s attention if you can! Best of luck.
Agree with the poster downthread about moving. What is the job situation like in CT? Might want to investigate both other areas as well. See where there is more opportunity for you.
Per the article, it mentions 89 employees impacted. Is that 89 employees stretched over 3 call centers ?
While I understand personal and family obligations and not wanting to move, it is a financial good move to leave the northeast. Don’t get me wrong, ATT is no bargain, but if you are in this situation and are able to move, it might be worthwhile to have AT&T pick up part of the tab. Taxes are much lower in GA/TN. And while Atlanta has its traffic problems, the suburbs remain a very nice place to live. And the economy is good here so you could find another job here pretty easily when everything at ATT goes to sh--.
Just something to consider.
Employees are being offer $20,000 to move. Cry me a river. If you don’t wanna move, don’t. But that’s a lot of money!
https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/new-haven/at-t-workers-protest-plan-to-close-3-connecticut-call-centers/1807853034
OP here. Here's the link to the news about this. Forgot to post it in the thread.