CEIU to work closely with members affected by closing of Ottawa call centre

The Service Canada decision to close its Ottawa call centre and create an expanded operation in Cornwall, Ontario will affect up to 80 CEIU members. The union will work closely with those who wish to remain in Ottawa rather than move to the new call centre in Cornwall.

The decision was announced January 16 and will see the creation of an integrated call centre by the spring of 2010 that will respond to inquiries related to EI, the CPP, OAS and other services delivered by the employer. An additional 85 positions will be attached to the Cornwall operation.

Indeterminate staff who chose to move to Cornwall will be entitled to relocation assistance. For those wishing to remain in Ottawa, the employer anticipates no difficulty in placing them in local positions. The employer has also undertaken to search for alternate employment for term staff. The union will assist all members who are seeking to continue their careers in the Ottawa area.