Telus is forging ahead with its workforce reduction strategy by announcing a new wave of voluntary separations, which, this time, affects 100 members of the union representing Telus employees in Quebec, SQET-CUPE 5044, 90 members of the union representing Telus supervisory personnel, SAMT-CUPE 5144, and about 510 members of Métallos. In spite of the fact the company continues to rack up record profits and raise its customers’ rates, it has once again opted to sacrifice its employees’ expertise, thereby weakening the local telecommunications industry.
“This initiative, which is reportedly attributable to a decreased workload, raises serious questions about the future of quality jobs in Quebec and in the rest of Canada. Each buy out package represents a loss of invaluable know-how, which jeopardizes the company’s ability to offer good reliable service to its customers,” pointed out Luc Pouliot, president of SQET-CUPE 5044.
A WORRISOME BUSINESS MODEL
Telus receives lucrative contracts along with federal and provincial public sector subsidies to support economic development and create jobs. However, there seems to be no guarantee that this funding is actually being used to maintain stable and well paying jobs in the country. The lack of transparency on the long-term consequences of these decisions must be called out.
“Why is the federal government continuing to issue subsidies and contracts to companies that do not show a clear commitment to preserving local jobs?” questions Pouliot.
A CALL TO SOLIDARITY AND VIGILANCE
The union is calling on its members and all workers in the sector to remain united and be vigilant regarding these measures that weaken our industry and create constant insecurity among employees. The time has come for the government to impose concrete conditions on companies receiving public assistance to preserve quality jobs here in Canada.
“We are asking Telus to review its strategy and to reinvest in its employees, who truly are the lifeblood of the company,” said the union representative.