A Drive to the Discipline

"The employees of the call centres indulge in sexual acts in their premise and we have no objection to it. But they should behave properly in our cabs. That is why we have made this code of conduct to be followed in all BPO employees," says Nana Kshirsagar, heading Maharashtra Call Centre Chalak Malak Sanghtana (association of owners and drivers of call centres.) The organisation, which was formed some two months ago, has called for a strike on 19 May which means on Monday most of the call centre vehicles will remain off the road.

While Kshirsagar has attributed various reasons for the strike, including getting raw treatment in terms of payment and facilities, his organisation has finalised a code of conduct for the call centre employees who travel by the cabs. The code is meant to bring ‘discipline’ in the employees of the BPOs and according to Kshirasagar, "to avoid untoward incidences which have taken place in the past."

"The conduct of these employees should be scrutinized on the lines of Rajneesh followers. Our drivers suffer most because of their behaviour. We have been witness to hugging, kissing and all sorts of acts. That’s why we are demanding this code," said Kshirsagar.

Some drivers attested Kshirsagar’s claims. Namdeo Ghorpade, whose cab is running for IBM domestic BPO on Fursungi road said that drivers get raw deal in BPOs. While maltreatment at the hands of company and employees is rampant, it is the behaviour in the cab itself that is a cause of concern. "We do not get enough sleep. Still employees insist on going. They do act in such a manner that we get distracted. We are witness to such acts."

Salim Khan, who plies cab in Vishrantwadi area has another story. He said, "Companies does not provide us a lateral list of pick up and drops. Areas in different directions are given to us. When two or thre men-women employees are in vehicle, they talk obscenity with intention. But we are not supposed to see their acts or hear their conversations. Glasses of Tavera cabs are being covered with cloth, that is a regular practise."

Still, some like Santosh Jain, who plies cab in Hinjwadi area seem not encountered this behaviour. He said, "I am in this strike for payment rise. I have no problem with behaviours of BPO employees."
------------

Code of Conduct for employees

n Employees should not idulge in obscene behaviour in cabs.

n Ganja, hard drink, beer, cigarete, Hukka should not be consumed in the cabs.
n Women employees sitting in the cabs should wear clothes according to Indian culture.
n They should not use mobiles in running vehicles.
n Co-passengers and friends should not be taken in in vehicles.
n The vehicle should be used only for plying between home and office.
n Driver should not be pursued to drive to other locations.
n Insistence on playing music in the vehicle should be allowed.
n Conversation with drivers should be done only in Marathi and Hindi.

n Personal task should not be given to drivers.
n Driver should not be made to wait anywhere without reason.
n Friendship with drivers should be avoided and conversation with him should be minimum.
n Employees should not sleep in cabs.
n Vehicle should be cleaned by employees in case of vomitting, urinating and spitting.
n Employees should carry an identy card with him.