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Cutting shift differentials is a preemptive strategy (sm) - Former MQ Manager

Posted: Dec 26, 2010

The recent reduction in shift differentials is the first phase of reducing the workforce during those hours. You can expect there to be an eventual phase-out of the shift differentials altogether. Why? The ultimate goal is to utilize offshore vendors for that work.

This pressurized reduction in income opportunitywill cause some natural attrition: Some will not be able to afford the pay loss, some will be upset and simply quit.

It will take a little time but not a long drawn-out process.

Then, the focus will be on the very limited available work for day shift only.

Goal? Minimal US staff with majority of all work siphoned to offshore vendors.

They will tell you that they do not want to lose their US MTs -- it is important to keep them, yadda yadda -- but in the long run they only will want the best they can afford and only an extremely limited number of MTs for those few positions.

Their actions:

Illegal? No.

Immoral? Not really. All businesses have to do what is best for their survival.

Unfortunate? Yes.

Sad? Absolutely.

Discouraging? Completely.

I watched, listened, planned and worked along with MQ for years in management. CBay just pushed it off the already rocky, steep, slippery cliff. I left shortly after I could no longer be held responsible for the offshore conflict (poor quality from them, clients literally screaming and cutting contracts over the pitiful quality, but continuing to use them -- because CBay demands it) without any power to change it.

All of this is my opinion after having been part of that inner circle. It is not divulging intellectual plans or confidential meetings. It is an extremely experienced and insightful opinion only ...

Find yourself another line of work right now. Do not wait.

Signed,

The X

Cut and slash shift diff - Anon

[ In Reply To ..]
You said everything perfectly and honestly and were 100% right on. I too left MQ for many of the same reasons, well actually all of them, plus a very incompetent supervisor and an account that became nearly impossible to do. I have struggled and am now working, but MQ is the tip of the iceberg, it is only going to get worse and all of us are going to be without a job and all of these companies are aware of this and could care less, because they are looking out for themselves, as they know they better make their money now, because eventually they will be cut out as well. CBAY will rule and then it will probably go to China from India, just like the chain of events in this country. The select few that you talk about, I am sure many MTs feel they will be kept on for that same reason, but even if they do, the salary will be pitiful and that is hard to imagine, since it is beyond pitiful now and has been for the last 3-5 years. I say "get out," don't look back, just get out, even it you have to find something to get by with. There are no perks with MQ and the few that are there are dwindling fast.

MQ is lying to everyone, and all that dishonesty - proves they are morally bankrupt. n/m

[ In Reply To ..]
X

I am SO GLAD I quit last month. I worked my entire - me in CA

[ In Reply To ..]
shift after 6PM (west coast). I had a feeling it was time for me to leave MQ after 15 years. In October I started applying with companies and finally snagged myself one that was acceptable. Then dropped MQ off, sort of scared, but knew it was for the best.

Knowing my entire 30 hours a week had a shift differential and that would have been gone, I would have been so miserable hearing this news.

My advice? Leave while you're still sane. I feel so much better now.

Both MQ and Spheris before them have stated sm - Panny Farmer

[ In Reply To ..]
the work done offshore is comparable or better to the work done in the US. This according to QA. In fact I believe our QA is being done in India.

The phrase used was "the work is very good, but problem with phrases unique to US Enlgish".

I also wonder, after glancing at the new Teamwork time clock we ex-shpherites are being swithed over to, if the goal of that is to completely eliminate CCMs. Their days seem to be numbered, along with ours.

Could this income reduction - qualify us for TAA?

[ In Reply To ..]
Isn't this called something (forget the legal term) which is when an employer intentionally makes changes in your job that you just cannot accept? Someone please help with the nomenclature - "constructive termination"?

Not exactly. (sm) - Former MQ Manager

[ In Reply To ..]
If you are not able to get all of your required hours because of no work - that week could qualify for unemployment (UE) benefits.

If you lose hours permanently or temporarily because of your account going offshore, that could qualify for UE and for TAA.

Shift differential is not a required pay. They don't have to pay differentials, incentives, bonuses. Losing those do not qualify you for anything.

Losing workable hours could qualify for at least UE and possibly TAA.

I would encourage anyone to contact their local Department of Workforce Services office. Please do not ask for direction from others on it and accept those answers though! You must personally go to the DWS office and apply - speak to the staff there in person!

The X

Thanks. The X -- would love to know who you are. You seem to know what - you are talking about. Thanks again. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Thanks - Ang

[ In Reply To ..]
Thank you X for writing this. I have had a gut feeling (in addition to seeing the facts of the cuts,changes, etc.) from subtle changes occurring over time on my account. It is nice to read this and to feel you care enough to write it.

You're wrong about just ONE little detail: - What they do IS immoral. VERY immoral.

[ In Reply To ..]
And it WILL come back to bite them someday.

Disagree. This is business. The letters to spell immoral do not - appear in the word business. nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

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