Hughes Blatantly Violating Indian Laws

Apparently Hughes has violated Indian Laws to such an extent that their building validity has been taken away which may leave them with no office to work from!

One of our friends has sent us a link to the story on Hughes. Given below is the link to where you may find this story: http://www.techgoss.com/Story/270S11-Tech-hub–Hughes-battles-HUDA.aspx and http://www.techgoss.com/Story/1939S14-Raid-on-Hughes–Gurgaon.aspx

We strongly condemn US multinationals’ illegal tactics and endless bribing to get their work done, ir-respective of it being in violation of the law. The Indian Govt must act strongly and put such unscrupulous people who run these companies behind bars for good. They are putting their employees’ lives to risk by doing such harm that the fire department has cancelled their  safety certificate too.

We implore our readers, supporters and friends to support us so that we may go to the Labor Commissioner with a complaint on safety of employees working under their roof.

We have requested a few friends in the US to try and get us in touch with Hughes Management so that these facts may be communicated to them as well.

Chief
(BPO Union 2.0)

Voice BPO workers risk Ear Attacks and Accoustic Shocks!

Voice BPO workers risk Ear Attacks and Acoustic Shocks!

The average worker who takes voice calls for over 7 hrs each day – is prone to Ear Attack and Acoustic Shock. Both the terms are used by medical practitioners  for very serious ailments which  affect the ear when it is subject to voice abuse.

We are shocked to find out that (and its according to our limited search) India does not have any ‘noise at work law’. The UK has it, and so does the US. But considering that we have a huge young workforce at work in call centers straining their ears for long hours we definitely need one. Or at least some kind of regulation on it.

It has been recorded in many medical journals and in the media, based on research by ENT experts that Call Center employees run the most risk of hearing defects. The scariest things, among many others, that one might encounter are:

• Ear infection caused by use of the same headset by multiple users.
• Chronicle headaches with a constant buzzing sound in the ear leading to an ‘acoustic attack’.
• Stoppage of blood flow in the ear blood vessels leading to an ‘ear attack’.

The UK has a law for ‘noise at work’ and you may wish to follow the links to know more:

http://www.bio-medicine.org/medicine-news/Are-call-centers-turning-a-deaf-ear-to-potential-acoustic-shocks-3F-15991-1/

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051643.htm

http://www.isvr.co.uk/reprints/ac_shock.pdf

High time that this matter is taken up by the Govt Authorities, Health Departments, Unions, Associations and the Employees themselves. We most definitely urge our friends to contribute articles on the subject so that a proper document can be prepared and sent to the Govt Authorities as well as others concerned.

regards,
Chief
(BPO Union 2.0)

BPO Industry Association concedes to BPO Union

BPO Association concedes to BPO Union – accepts the need for a Union in the BPO Industry for the first time

BPO Union made an impact today with the BPIAI conceding – for the first time ever – the need for a BPO Union. Ref a statement made in Hindu Business Line. Thats base one. Until now the associations were vehemently opposing unions in the BPO Industry. They seem to be changing stance now, knowing that times are changing. Good for them, the sooner they realise that we are here to assert our rights the better.

We are not in a tug-of-war; we do not see this as a win; yet we thought it necessary to bring to light the fact that our combined force has shown result. More will naturally follow. Ahoy to the power of the internet.

Meanwhile please keep supporting the petition for laid-off friends at Keane:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/BPOUnion

regards,
Chief
(BPO Union 2.0)

Open Letter to Journalists – Thank You!

Dear Friends,

We heartily appreciate your interest in us. For record, we have by now received 14 mails from leading journalists across media requesting an interview.

There is a lot of negativity associated with “Unions” in India and we as a people have yet to embrace the greater meaning of what a Union can be besides its ugly face which is most visible, unfortunately.

We decided that to put as many people and companies at ease as we can, we shall shy away from physical display of any kind. We are however open to answering your questions but shall restrict to online activity. In fact we will desist from any activity except creating a strong platform online. If time and necessity so desires we shall create a physical (offline) presence but that seems a distant act. Until then we are open to communicating with you on/ through our blog and e-mails – we would most appreciate if you ask your questions openly on the blog itself. We do not have a nominated spokesperson and choose to live and work in personal oblivion.

We do have a team of very highly qualified (experienced) comprising PR, Technology, Marketing and Legal guides who tune our strategy and we are well funded for our purpose. Our blog will be updated and ‘key partnerships’ will be visible soon. Keep visiting us and you’ll find us to be very friendly online hosts too! Hope to see your comments (questions/ interview) online. When you do ask questions, for complete transparency, do mention the company that you represent. We assure you that you shall not be disappointed in us … we shall always be open to criticism as well as share all we can with you … only no names please. Not for now at least.

Thanks again.

Warm regards,

Chief

Categories for discusion on this blog

In less than 18 hours of launch we have received more than 30 e-mails and on last count 22 hits. Many people wanted to know about the Categories under which one may blog here so here we are with Categories and their scope.

(pssstt) Among these mails we also have 4 journalists from leading media (news) outfits wanting to know more. Our newly formed community already seems to be getting some attention.

Fun Events Is anything interesting happening. PLEASE tell everyone about it. De-stress yourself. Others are telling you where the Fun is. You are enjoying it.

Grievance@Work Sad about something at work – Say It. Mad about something at work – Say It.

Health Do you face health issues working in a BPO? Ask other how they deal with the same issues. Tell others how you deal with the same issues.

Legal Issues Ahan! So you have no idea about your legal rights in a BPO environment. Ahan! So you have no idea about your legal duties in a BPO environment. Do you know what your employers’ Legal rights against you are? Do you know what your Legal rights against your employer are? Any of the above ring a bell … Ask or Tell.

Workforce Security How far is your employer bound to secure you? Physical security is important – Emotionally secured by your employer? Do you have a ‘real and workable’ sexual harassment policy and committee? Where you can and will be addressed if ever (God forbid) you are harmed? Your employer ever heard of Gender Sensitization? Have you ever gone through a formal seminar to address all of the above?