Tricom staff strike for better pay

Around 480 Data Processing Operators (DPOs) from the Nashik unit of Mumbai-based Tricom India Ltd (TIL), a non-voice Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company, today went on strike in protest against the below average salary (BAS) being paid by the company.

The DPOs have sought at least average salary.

Mumbai-based non-voice BPO major Tricom India Ltd (TIL), which has two units in Mumbai, has set up a BPO unit in Nashik. The company, which began Nashik operation on January 16, has recruited close to 500 DPOs so far.

The company, which is paying good salary to its employees in its two units in Mumbai, is paying below average salary in its BPO unit in Nashik. The DPOs are getting only Rs 2,500 per month, which is so less as compared to Mumbai & Pune, according to sources.

"We have been working here for the last six months on Rs 2,500 per month only. Before joining, the company had promised us of a good salary after six month. On the contrary, the company gave an increment of Rs 100 to Rs 250 only. Besides, the company is cutting ESI and PF too, but it has neither given ESI cards nor opened our PF accounts. The company is not ready to talks to us on this issue. This has shattered our hopes/dream to make career in BPO sector," said Sachin Bhalerao and Prafulla Pahadi, DPOs of Nashik unit, Tricom India.

When contacted in this regard to Jayant Tanksale, Executive Director (Operations), Tricom India Ltd, he said, "Tricom India had launched its Nashik unit on January 16 and has recruited close to 480 trainee DPOs so far.

The issue created here is not a subject to all 480 DPOs as only 74 DPOs have completed a trainee period of six months on July 16 and the company is in the process of giving them an increment on the basis of their performance.

The company considers the accuracy, productivity and attendance of the employees while giving them an increment."

The ITPO industries in Mumbai and Pune have reached a saturation level. Many ITPO companies are eyeing to extend their base in Nashik because of its proximity to Mumbai and Pune, low real estate prices (as compared to Mumbai & Pune), adequate skilled manpower, availability of abundant water and good infrastructure like roads & electricity.

BPO companies in Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and Hydrabad are known for paying higher salaries to its employees. Hence, today's young aspirants are looking at this sector for their bright career. But, BPO companies in Nashik have failed to pay at least an average salary, according to sources.

According to sources, the non-voice BPO workforce in Nashik is around 2,250.

Around seven non-voiced BPO companies, including Mumbai-based Tricom India and WNS Global Services, are operational here. The rest of the five BPOs are small private players with an average strength of 50 each.