Layoffs hit Thunder Bay call centre

Dozens of workers at a Thunder Bay call centre have been given their walking papers, at least temporarily.

Teleperformance quietly laid off over 80 employees this week, and workers say it's because one of the company's long-time clients has pulled out. 

"It was pretty much a shock to all of us," Jason Ward told CBC News. "We had no idea. I finished my call, I walked over, had no idea what was happening and they let the bombshell down that we were officially laid off."

However, Ward is optimistic he and the rest of those affected will be back to work soon. He said employees have heard another client may be lined up for the call centre.

"Personally, I have savings and stuff banked up [so] that it's not a huge inconvenience, but I'm sure there are others that aren't as fortunate," Ward said. "They left us kind of with the idea that someone's going to be in there soon to take [the] place of client who is no longer there."

Ward hopes to get back to the work he enjoys soon.

"I enjoyed my work, I really did enjoy my work," he said. "I liked helping people … it was a very rewarding job in that sense."

Teleperformance management did not return calls from CBC News seeking an interview.