Date:21/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/12/21/stories/2005122100771003.htm

Back BPO issues

The news of the rape and murder of Pratibha, a call centre employee in Bangalore, is shocking.

Precaution and safety issues apart, the incident will have to be viewed from the following angles.

The entrance of MNCs has brought with it increased money flows and a host of workplace woes. In BPOs, there is the issue of irregular timing, where shifts are scheduled to the suit the time zones of the client company. This takes a toll on women, especially when they have the additional responsibility of a household to manage.

The odd working hours also pose a security threat to employees.

It is time stringent laws are brought in to ensure employee safety and security.

Tharcius S. Fernando

Chennai

Letters to the editor and contributions can be sent by e-mail to: bleditor@thehindu.co.in

Pascal Lamy

Director-General of the WTO