Call center staff in dispute with Wipro over pay
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA — Mobile communications provider Rain’s decision to outsource its call center operations to Wipro has sparked a significant labor dispute.
The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) is currently addressing this conflict involving former Rain employees who are now under Wipro’s management.
Job security and salary concerns
The outsourcing move, effective from November 1, 2022, saw 450 employees transferred from Rain to Wipro, a multinational company listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Employees have expressed concerns about job security and salary reductions, despite Rain’s assurances that the outsourcing was intended to preserve jobs. They claim that their salaries have declined due to a variable pay clause that Wipro is allegedly not honoring.
Pay discrepancies and working conditions
A major issue raised by the staff is the reduction in pay for work on Sundays and public holidays. Wipro acknowledged an error in the initial pay rates, which were higher than contract stipulations. The company has since adjusted these rates, leading to dissatisfaction among employees who contest the calculations.
In addition to salary concerns, employees voiced grievances about the revocation of work-from-home privileges and inadequate working conditions. Issues such as lack of transportation for late shifts, non-functional air conditioning on weekends, and insufficient restroom facilities during water supply interruptions have compounded the staff’s frustrations.
Unequal treatment and policy changes
Employees have also highlighted discrepancies in treatment compared to Wipro’s staff in India, particularly regarding leave policies during crises.
The introduction of a “no cellphone” policy has also been met with resistance, as many employees are parents who need to stay connected.
Ongoing arbitration
The situation remains tense as the CCMA reviews the complaints. Both Wipro and Rain have refrained from commenting in detail on the matter.
A Wipro spokesperson stated, “This is a pending employment arbitration, which has been referred to the CCMA. We cannot comment any further at this time.” Rain echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Wipro is one of its many external partners and that it cannot comment on another company’s internal processes.
