Daype Classifieds

Canada’s largest newspaper is cutting 27 jobs and considering outsourcing the work to a call center in Buffalo, according to the union representing affected workers there.

The Toronto Star said it will cut six full-time and 21 part-time classified department positions, which will be contracted to an outside call center. That call center is Williamsville-based Classified Plus, according to Brad Honywill, president of Local 87-M of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.

“The Toronto Star has reportedly signed a letter of intent with Classified Plus in Buffalo to do the work of the classified call center employees now at the Toronto Star,” Honywill said in an e-mail to The Buffalo News.

Toronto Star spokesman Bob Hepburn would not confirm or deny whether Classified Plus was in the running, saying only that the newspaper is “currently considering several outside vendors.”

Classified Plus outsources classified and marketing work for more than 200 newspapers nationally. It has traditionally handled after-hours calls for newspapers, but has taken on more core work as newspapers struggle to cut operating costs. The company employs more than 200 people in Western New York.

July 9, 2009
source: buffalonews.com