Verizon Wireless to Shut Call Centers, Relocate Employees

Verizon Wireless is closing three US call centers and relocating employees because it wants to improve customer service and make better use of existing facilities.

Call centers in Southfield, Michigan; Bellevue, Washington; and Houston will be shut down by the end of the year. The closures will affect 3,175 employees. Verizon Wireless will offer to relocate employees “in good standing” to similar positions at the 28 U.S.-based centers that are continuing operations. The carrier will give individualized severance packages for employees who opt to leave and will provide an after-tax $10,000 relocation benefit for those who move. Additionally, Verizon Wireless is merging two northern California call centers into one and consolidating two “Internet Response” centers in Ohio and Illinois.