Alorica staff receive severance, other entitlements

Over 350 severed Alorica workers were called in on Tuesday to collect their final pay packages and severance letters from the company.
They are now officially out of a job following the closure of the entity formerly known as NCO call centre.
The company, which was located on the Sir George Walter Highway, closed its doors on July 31, almost a month and a half after the workers were notified about its possible relocation to Jamaica.
A worker told OBSERVER media that the letters they received gave a breakdown of their severance and an explanation as to why the call centre was ceasing operations in Antigua.
The former customer service representative said that her colleagues, who expressed shock about the closure when it was first announced in June, were in good spirits.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, she however outlined that the days ahead will be difficult for them as they would have to search for new jobs. The woman said she has made advance payments at a home she is currently renting and to a loan at the bank in anticipation of the tough times ahead.
In a statement to the media earlier this month, Alorica said that after being in business in Antigua for 10 years, the cost of doing business here was just too much.
The company employed approximately 400 people. Earlier, Alorica also said all agents and supporting staff will be paid their severance entitlements, outstanding vacation pay and outstanding salaries up to July 31, 2018. Additionally, medical insurance will be paid for all qualifying employees up to the end of October.