Government of Canada is taking action to support Convergys employees

OTTAWA, Aug. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is taking action to support workers and families across Pictou County who are facing challenges because of the closing, in September, of the Convergys call centre in New Glasgow.

 "The Government of Canada, through Service Canada is working closely with other levels of government and all stakeholders to help those affected by the decision of Convergys to close its New Glasgow call centre. We are all committed to providing the support they need to transition and ultimately return to the workforce," said the Member of Parliament for Central-Nova, Peter MacKay.

As a result of the announcement of the closing of the Convergys call centre, Service Canada is helping affected workers by:

• Using a unique reference code for those from Convergys applying for Employment Insurance to facilitate the processing of EI claims for affected workers.
  
  
• Holding information sessions to ensure workers are aware of the employment benefits and support measures available to them.
  
  
• Contacting employers and worker associations to offer federal programs and services and proactively facilitate Employment Insurance claims.
  
  
• Offering information on Employment Insurance and programs and services for Convergys to include in employee exit packages.
  
  
• Building awareness of ways the federal government can help workers through programs like Work-Sharing, the Wage Earner Protection Program, Pension benefits and Employment Insurance.
  
  
• Holding information sessions to ensure workers know what types of jobs are in demand and where they should look to apply for them.
  
  
• Encouraging local workers, job seekers and employers to make use of the federal government's Job Bank including Job Alert and Job Match features. This service connects Canadians looking for work with employers looking for Canadians to hire.

Two information sessions with affected employees at Convergys were already held on June 19^th. 

"Having met many local Convergys employees and attended a town hall last evening I understand the urgency. Our Government is taking action to provide direct assistance to affected employees during this difficult period," said Member of Parliament Peter MacKay. "Our clear objective is to assist with various programs, whether it be EI , retraining or updating skills and to make every effort to help these workers get back to work as quickly as possible, for the benefit of all."  

This news release is available in alternative formats on request.                            

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada

(media only): Mary Ann Dewey-Plante, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Justice, 613-992-4621; Alexandra Fortier, Office of the Minister, 819-994-2482; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected], Follow us on Twitter