Aegis Communications Injustice in the work place Fairmont West Virginia

Injustice in the Work Place

Until recently I was aware that the world was a cruel and unfair place but I never realized how cruel and unfair it can be. I understand that these companies that employ individuals have set rules and regulations that are in place and have to be followed. No matter how unfair they seem to be on a personal level.

But how is it fair to terminate employees because they do not believe that $9.50 an hour, ridiculous policies, and special treatment to certain employees is enough of an incentive to risk their lives and the lives of others to travel in hazardous conditions to get to work. I, like many Aegis Communications employees have children and families; and while the income is pertinent to take care of my family so is my health and safety.

On numerous occasions when the weather in Fairmont, WV has been horrible the roads have been worse. Even those who disregarded the safety of themselves and others only did so because they were threatened with termination if they missed too many days. In the last month or so when the weather has been bad and the road conditions frightful several employees, on their way to work mind you have been in accidents.

One would think this would not be counted against them. WRONG!!! Even with accident reports from the police and slips from the hospital these employees still had to come into work and were not excused.

No one was seriously injured but they were hurt and needed time off to heal but were not allowed without the threat of losing their jobs. Honestly I could see it if these people were repeat offenders, calling off all the time or leaving early. NO!!! They were in car accidents, they were injured, and their transportation was compromised because they were told that if they miss any more days they would lose their jobs.

 More than half of their staff has called off because they cannot make it to work because of unsafe road conditions. Does the safety of the employees matter? Several were terminated due to missing work because of the horrible road conditions.

Not to mention the fact that people are losing their jobs at this company left and right because of illnesses they have caught from being at work. Several employees had the flu and a few had swine flu but yet still came to work in fear of losing their jobs so of course this spread.

One individual who was out with a confirmed case of swine flu was facing termination because the doctor put them off work until they were no longer contagious. During this time the supervisors had a meeting on rather to terminate this individual for missing work. This organization would rather a person come into work with swine flu, infect the entire call center than allow them the time off. I get it, I really do.

Companies have policies but seriously this is a little ridiculous. Aegis is a cesspool of numerous illnesses to be had; the flu, swine flu, stomach flu, pneumonia, etc. For instance there were numerous individuals over the last few months that were very ill with pneumonia that came into work although their doctors had taken them off work.

 But since Aegis does not accept doctor’s excuses these individuals were left with the choice to come into work ill or lose their jobs. I’m sorry but no company should force an individual to choose their job over their health, especially when their health insurance is so-so and expensive that unless you are a higher up you cannot afford.

Now to add insult to injury let’s talk about the hazards outside of the building. During the winter we all know the parking lots and sidewalks are going to be bad. SOOO if you have let’s say employees either the company or property owner should make the conditions safe for their employees. Not so much at Aegis.

Numerous individuals fell on ice in their parking lot and on the sidewalks. Sure accident reports were filed but they never made these employees get medical treatment, didn’t even offer to let them go home, an extra chair to prop their leg up, or even ice to take down the swelling. For a company that wants to keep employees, obtain new employees, have happy employees and are so concerned about providing excellent customer service to others around the globe they do not seem concerned about their employees’ health and wellbeing at all.

Yes, I understand companies have rules and regulations. Every company does, but the lack of compassion, empathy, and pretending like they care is astronomical. I also understand that if people do not like the treatment and the things that go on within this company they do not have to stay with them.

Unfortunately with the job market the way it is many end up going with this company because they offer things such as a decent pay scale, a set work schedule, weekends off, and a nice little price-locked gas card. But I strongly urge individuals who are seeking employment to weigh all your options before accepting an offer from this company. When these issues are brought to the attention of supervisors or the Human Resources department nothing is ever done and the lack of caring is quite noticeable.

If you can look past the fact that there is extreme favoritism, a clear disregard for employee health and wellbeing, while although they have a few very exceptional trainers the training isn’t nearly long enough for an individual to get the information they NEED to assist the people who are calling in for help, then by all means jump on the Aegis band-wagon.

And not to mention, and people will really get a kick out of this one, for the month of February the employees were offered a chance to get $350.00 worth of bonuses for good surveys etc. Well if you worked the entire month, earned bonuses, quit or were fired in March you do not get those bonuses although you earned them because you will not be there for the next pay period. What a joke!!! I mean come on, these bonuses were earned but yet the employees aren’t getting them. That is really fair(sarcastically put). But I mean what can a person do?