The ELME of Piraeus issued a statement in which it expresses its full support to the struggle of the employees of Teleperformance and the Union of Employees of Teleperformance (SETEP). The statement refers to the working conditions in the company, which are described as «harsh», as well as to the dismissals of the union members, which the ELME considers as revengeful and aimed at suppressing the collective action of the employees.
The demands of the workers
Teleperformance employees, through the SETEP, are demanding the signing of a Collective Labour Agreement that will include wage increases and better working conditions. According to the ELME of Piraeus, the employer has dismissed union officials, including members of the union's administration in Athens, Chania and Thessaloniki.
The company's practices include, according to the statement, the use of fixed-term contracts, “moving” workers from project to project, delays in converting contracts to open-ended contracts, and pressuring migrant workers with the threat of deportation.
Criticism of the legislation
The ELME of Piraeus strongly criticises the legislation that supports such practices, focusing especially on the Hatzidakis Law, which - as it says - «facilitates the suppression of trade union rights». The statement also refers to the «laws of previous governments», which have allowed employers« tactics that »intensify exploitation" to take root.
Demands and call for solidarity
The ELME of Piraeus demands:
-The immediate revocation of the redundancies.
-The protection of the union and trade unionists from employer pressure.
-The signing of the Collective Labour Agreement at Teleperformance.
The statement concludes with a call to strengthen solidarity with Teleperformance workers, asking unions and collective bodies to unite their voice against the employer's practices.
Launch of a new cycle of mobilisations
SETEP has already started mobilisations to put pressure on the company to meet their demands. The solidarity of the ELME of Piraeus and other unions strengthens the dynamics of the struggle, while it remains to be seen whether the employer will respond to the demands of the workers.
