Hello members,
Last week, Telus once again issued some 545 so-called voluntary severance packages to craft members. This group includes outside plant construction, cable repair, NOC, engineering, network operations, IP Core, and Transport. These packages were accompanied with the threat of forced relocation should Telus not receive the desired reduction in the areas they want.
This is in addition to the thousands of voluntary severance packages offered over the past two years, which have led to a massive degradation of Telus’ ability to serve customers, maintain its infrastructure, and deal with outages in a timely manner. Telus has evidently made the calculation that Canadian citizens simply don’t have enough market options to be able to leave Telus for better service elsewhere. Shame.
Telecommunications is a critical part of our national infrastructure, and we should have a telecom system in this country that Canadians can be proud of, not one that produces a collective groan from the public, as is currently the case. Indeed, we as members take great pride in keeping Canada connected, but it’s challenging to stay proud of our work when our everyday efforts to serve customers are being undermined by this company, a company held responsible by government (and subsidized) to maintain the integrity of the telecom system.
At a time when this country needs strength and sovereignty, we continue to point a spotlight on Telus’ degradation of the integrity of Canada’s telecom system through cuts to craft jobs, and their siphoning of Canadian jobs overseas while Canadians are increasingly looking for work.
Dozens of Members of Parliament now know our Local by name, from meetings that we’ve held with them regarding unethical Telus actions. When Telus makes cuts to Canadian services like this latest round of VSPs, your Union is dedicated to telling government and the public all about it.
USW Local 1944 stands united with the other Unions that represent Telus workers and are affected by these packages, SQET-CUPE 5044 and SAMT, which each represent members in Quebec. We are in the process of working more closely with them on presenting a united front to defend our jobs and our telecom system.
You know best whether staying in your career at Telus is right for you and your family, but please know that your Union will continue to defend your job security every step of the way.
The Local’s Executive Board is meeting later this week and will be discussing next steps regarding the company’s actions.
In Solidarity,
USW Local 1944
