Call Centre Code Launched In Victoria

February 23 2017 - A new Call Centre Code launched by the Victorian Government has been welcomed by the ASU. The Code applies to both government operated call centres and private sector organisations contracted to the Victorian Government.

The Call Centre Code dictates minimum standards in the call centre industry, covering:

• Employee minimum entitlements
• Occupational health and safety
• Anti-discrimination
• Management and organisation of work
• Compliance - monitoring and sanctions

ASU Victorian Branch Secretary Ingrid Stitt commented:

"The Code applies to all call centre operators providing services to the Victorian Government. These workers - regardless of who employs them - are providing services for government and deserve the same protections as other workers across government.

"This is a model for how responsible governments can act to ensure outsourced services are provided ethically, within workplace laws and protect employees and industry from unscrupulous operators.

"Private sector involvement in service provision for government has to occur in line with community standards - and the community expects workers to be treated fairly."

Ingrid Stitt added:

"The Code aims to ensure that work is carried out lawfully, fairly, and safely, and outlines workplace relations and occupational health and safety requirements.

"In a time of intense overseas competition, it has never been more important to protect the industry and its workers alike."