Key Bank to Close Tacoma Call Center
It’s been a long day and we’re just now playing catch up with our inbox.
The news of day starts with the announcement that Key Bank will close their Tacoma call center and lay off 200 employees. Positions may be made available in Cleveland or Buffalo. According to the story in the TNT, the employees will probably remain employed through June with a possibility of getting to year end.
So … is it up or down from here?
Link to The News Tribune
Filed under: General
10 comments
T Thorax O'Tool January 14, 2009
I didn’t know they had a call center here.
But still, damn. That’s sucky news.
C crenshaw sepulveda January 15, 2009
I wonder why Key Bank chose Cleveland or Buffalo over Tacoma? Was there some process the bank went through where they decided that Tacoma did not make the cut? It is a sad day when Tacoma loses to the likes of Cleveland or Buffalo. Surely the fact that we are practically in Seattle had to weigh in our favor.
T Thorax O'Tool January 15, 2009
Cleveland is the location of their corporate HQ… so they’re just watching out for the Hometown.
I I'm for Change (for tacoma) January 15, 2009
Cleveland was chosen because of headquarters. The location of the existing call center there is actually slightly outside Cleveland. Still wouldn’t want to live there. I think Buffalo won over Tacoma since its cheaper, closer to headquarters (try finding a decent flight time- & $-wise to CLE), and NY State has more back-office operations than WA.
I I'm for Change (for tacoma) January 15, 2009
If given the chance, I wonder which city – Cleveland or Tacoma – would offer Key a better deal to stay.
C Crenshaw Sepulveda January 15, 2009
Everyone in Washington should pull their money out of Key Bank.
T Thorax O'Tool January 15, 2009
…and if you’re not a Key customer, stand outside your local branch and protest.
We haven’t had any good mass-protests in town lately. Time for one!
E Eric Choiniere January 17, 2009
Just to let you know, I work for Qwest in Seattle. The call center there is also closing. The jobs are being moved to Boise, Salt Lake City & Des Moines, IA. This was a move to weaken the CWA, cut payroll & to keep outsourced jobs. Up to 225 people are losing their jobs if they cannot retire early or move to another state. Qwest has been pulling a profit for the last 2 years, it just a way to make more money & move the jobs to states that are non-union required.
T Thorax O'Tool January 19, 2009
Damn right-to-work states.
No really, look at it. The Right to Work states meet only the federal minimum wage. Could you imagine trying to get by here for $6.55/hr? It’s almost impossible on our $8.55/hr.
This kind of stuff ticks me off and makes me very glad that I’m a member of the USW.
T Thorax O'Tool January 20, 2009
My dad worked for PS Bank until the early 90s.
I remember those days… he actually got raises from time to time and had health insurance.
After the merger and layoffs, it was AFDC and food stamps for us.
Who else remembers these?