Thursday, December 29, 2011

Open Letter to Editor Ashville Citizen-Times

Dear Editor,

The economic down turn has packed a double wallop against workers in America.  Not only are we facing lay-offs and cut backs, but pressure from lower wages and increased inflation.  All across this Country, workers are being squeezed to produce more at less cost. Our only allies, the unions, are under attack by misguided politicians and corporate business groups.  It’s a recipe for disaster!

Not every employer takes advantage of workers to the degree alleged at Sitel Call Center.  And that’s good! However, when one employer gets away with it; the message to other business owners is clear.

As I understand it, there are approximately 600 people working at the Sitel Call Center, mostly female, with two restrooms on opposite sides of the building. Workers are forced to rush, hold it, or risk discipline if taking more than the allotted time. Anyone with a daughter, sister, wife or mother should understand. This is not right!

This is America! We don’t tolerate sweatshops here. Business owners should not treat workers like trash. I know you will receive letters from business owners sighting the need for more control over workers in the workplace due of foreign competition, but I hope you will understand our friends and family members are being taken advantage of, and it’s not right!

Bob Oedy