Cox to cut up to 234 jobs from West Warwick call center

COX COMMUNICATIONS will close its West Warwick residential customer service call center in the third quarter of this year, eliminating as many as 234 jobs from its Rhode Island workforce. The West Warwick center is one of 19 across the country being consolidated into seven larger centers.
COX COMMUNICATIONS will close its West Warwick residential customer service call center in the third quarter of this year, eliminating as many as 234 jobs from its Rhode Island workforce. The West Warwick center is one of 19 across the country being consolidated into seven larger centers.

(Updated, Feb. 27, 12:53 p.m.)

WEST WARWICK – Cox Communications said Wednesday it would cut as many as 234 jobs from its residential customer service call center in West Warwick, potentially reducing the size of its workforce in Rhode Island by about 20 percent.

Jennifer Bramley, Cox vice president of government and public affairs, said no other call centers in Rhode Island would be affected, and Cox Communications’ regional headquarters will remain in West Warwick.

The decision comes as Cox prepares to close 19 call centers around the country, consolidating its residential services in seven larger centers. Cox said the move is designed to improve efficiency and customer service.

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Cox employees losing their jobs after the shuttering of the West Warwick residential call center – slated to occur in the third quarter of this year – will have the option to apply for a job at one of the larger call centers in other regions.

Alternatively, employees may apply for a different job in the Northeast region – which comprises Rhode Island, Connecticut and Ohio – including at the Cox Business call center located within the West Warwick headquarters. Bramley said Cox Business is the fastest-growing segment of Cox Communications, and the company expects the Cox Business call center to continue to add jobs.

Currently 96 people are employed at the Cox Business call center in West Warwick, and 900 people total work at the West Warwick facility. Statewide, Cox Communications employs 1,093 people, including the 234 who may lose their jobs after the third-quarter changes.

Cox employees who apply for a job either at a call center in another region or at the Cox Business call center in West Warwick will need to undergo the same application and interview process as any other applicant, but will be given preference for any available position assuming that they are qualified, Bramley said.

Employees who accept positions at a center in another region will receive a $15,000 relocation package. The residential call center closest to Rhode Island is located in Virginia.

“We want to make sure that we provide our affected employees with as many opportunities as we can as a company,” said Bramley.

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