Unum based in Chattanooga criticized outsourcing of jobs

A website that focuses on US companies that outsource work has made the Chattanooga-based Unum white group of criticism, but the insurer is defending its practice what he. Partnerships with other companies

Protectusworkers.org, Unum told the site about is hundreds of jobs and technology will outsource choosing a company to do this.

Sara Blackwell, a lawyer from Florida, who runs the hotel, said Unum companies talk based in India, with plans to outsource 300-400 positions.

"This will be technology department Unum in another country," he said.

Unum MC Guenther spokesman called the work "speculation" lists and the company did not say this technology is to outsource many positions.

"This is a drama," he said. "I'm not sure where to get the information."

But Guenther said the company has outsourced the work that goes back at least 17 years and "months away from all final recommendations for action that could be next."

"It is premature to what will happen with that," he said.

Unum has about 10,000 employees worldwide, including 2,600 in Chattanooga. The company outsources the support and maintenance of computer applications areas, as well as other segments, such as registration services, insurance, Guenther said.

This does not mean that all the work is outsourced overseas, he said.

"We have partnerships that are both nationally and internationally," Guenther said. "This corresponds to our company. We have American and international presence."

On the question of whether some of the work was entrusted to India, they did not say to the scene "has a clear line of sight".

"We have a lot of old legacy systems have [IT]" Günther said. "To find resources that still knows these systems, is difficult."

She said the company is still looking for "partnership opportunities and to evaluate them."

"It helps us to be a stronger company," he said. "He translated the customers with better services and create a stronger foundation for our home office."

Guenther said workforce Unum employees in recent years, increased slightly.

Blackwell said, it is not uncommon for businesses, by outsourcing, citing other companies in the insurance industry.

"Financially, it makes sense for companies to find these kinds of contracts with companies based in India," he said.

However, he added, "the American workforce will be killed."

Blackwell said the number of employees whose jobs are outsourced, is difficult to follow, since only companies have exact figures.

Also concerned about the personal health information of Americans abroad and work to travel.

Blackwell said countries like India and Mexico is not in accordance with HIPPA rules to protect legislation United States national standards for determining the individual medical records and other personal health information.

Guenther said keep customer data is a priority for Unum is.

"All this is stored in the United States and under strict privacy controls," he said, adding that each of the partners with whom the company works with the works "intensive checklist."

Contact Mike Pare in mpare@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.