MCI displaces 400 in Springfield; operations closing
Apr 28, 2006
MCI announced today its plans to close its Springfield call center, which currently employs nearly 400 people.
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson said, "The effect of this closing on employees and their families is our first concern." In 2000, MCI employed as many as 1,200 people. A series of downsizings followed, the largest announced in March, 2004. "We are disappointed with MCI's decision to close this call center," said Anderson.
MCI has been closing call centers across the country since its bankruptcy in 2002 and began outsourcing these operations to India, Philippines and Mexico. Only a few domestic centers remain open.
Springfield's Partnership for Economic Development is confident the region’s strong job growth and Springfield’s customer service call center market can absorb many of the displaced workers, said Greg Williams, Chamber senior vice president of economic development.
In just over a month, T-Mobile USA will open a new customer service facility, soon ramping up to 700 new employees.
The Partnership will begin aggressively marketing the vacated facility and assist in attracting or expanding a company to replace the jobs lost. Several facilities vacated by MCI in other locations across the country have now been reoccupied with call center operations, replacing job losses.
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Springfield's Largest Call Centers by Employment |
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Chase Card Services |
customer service |
1,600 |
|
T-Mobile USA |
customer service |
700* |
|
ANPAC |
customer service |
555 |
|
Fairfield Resorts |
telemarketing |
450 |
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MCI |
telemarketing |
400 |
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Bass Pro Shops |
catalog orders |
300 |
|
AT&T |
customer service |
210 |
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*Announced; not at full employment |
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