The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Friday, January 12, 2007

Re: 'Virtual call centre' to hire 500 in area, Jan. 9.

The growth of most sectors within Ottawa is vital to our community's
overall quality of life. Job creation provides those who are unemployed
the opportunity to secure employment and gives others the chance to
change employers. This must also include fair wages, benefits, working
conditions and safety on the job.

Too often what is missed, for a number of reasons, is the fine print,
especially when the touted job is one in which the workplace will be the
family home.

Employment standards become unenforceable. Minimum wages paid may be
reduced through added costs such as phone lines, computers and office
furniture. In addition, quotas not met may result in many employees
working extra hours for no pay.

The proposed virtual call centre may seem like a dream job to some.
Before too long what becomes clear is that the "job of convenience" is
little more than a virtual sweatshop.

Sean McKenny, Ottawa

President, Ottawa and District

Labour Council