CTV News Montreal

Updated: Wed Nov. 04 2009 3:58:35 PM

ctvmontreal.ca

Hydro-Quebec has confirmed that it will be laying off 250 customer support agents.

A spokesperson for the company said the affected employees are temporary unionized workers.

Some had been working for just a few months, while others had been with the company for three years.

The union representing the workers took out full-page ads in French-language newspapers Wednesday to warn the public about the imminent job cuts and the possibility of a major decline in customer service.

"Is there a manager at Hydro-Quebec who seriously believes the company can be more efficient with fewer employees?" the ad reads.

The ad also says that clients will be have to be patient when they phone for customer service, because they will likely find themselves waiting on hold for longer than usual.

According to the union, the employees are still needed because a modernized computer system that was supposed help with customer service operations hasn't been totally effective.

Hydro-Quebec says all of the employees will be put on a recall list and some will be re-hired in the coming weeks and months.

Please Add Comments

adam
wow...the wait times are already long.