Back In Canada, NETeller Workers Worry

Published: Saturday, January 20, 2007 Online-Casinos.com

MEANWHILE, BACK IN CANADA NETELLER WORKERS WORRY

It's not just execs and players who are concerned about the NETeller pull-out from the USA

The abrupt ban on US players by NETeller last week has not just discomforted jailed former executives, investors and American online gamblers….there is consternation north of the US border as well.

Calgary regional media report that the sudden decision to shut off over 65 percent of the company's business by banning US players could be about to have a ripple effect in Calgary where Isle of Man registered NETeller operates a call centre with more than 700 employees.

More than 300 of those workers operate telephone Support for mainly US clientele. The company handled more than $7 billion worth of transactions in 2005.

Some employees in the Calgary branch are reportedly concerned that business will take a hit. Several workers at NETeller's northeast office told the local newspaper The Herald that they were bracing for layoffs, and some said there had already been more than two dozen people let go in recent weeks.

The employees asked that their identities not be published, as they were under strict orders by management to not speak with the media.

Inside the call centre, employees enjoyed a catered lunch, reports The Herald. "I think it's to make us feel better," one woman said.

Beyond Lefebvre and Lawrence, NETeller has several Calgary connections within its board of directors.

According to Neteller.com, Gordon Herman was appointed chief operating officer of the Group in September 2002. He has since stepped down, but remains chairman of the board. Herman was previously a managing director of Chell.com, a Calgary-based application services provider, and reportedly cashed in Cdn$24.6 million of his shares in 2005.

Another former Calgary man was also involved in the company. Dale Patrick Johnson, listed as executive director of NETeller in 2005, attended the University of Calgary where he received a management diploma.