The Telus AGM showcased its financial success last Friday and Darren Entwistle, the highest paid telecommunications CEO in Canada, said that “Telus is about better human outcomes” and “...at Telus, there is a culture of caring.”
The Company has enjoyed record profits, in a time when economic crisis has led to an ever-increasing cost of living. Understanding the hardships you have been facing, your USW 1944 Bargaining Committee wants you to know more about the concessions that Telus is after and also, the areas your Union is seeking to improve.
The Company says they are seeking:
Flexibility, meaning further restrictions on vacations, managers doing more Bargaining Unit work and less time off for you as well as schedule uncertainty.
Cost Savings, meaning capping wages, increases will take longer to achieve, further restrictions on overtime opportunities, increased off-shoring and elimination of premiums.
Your Union has made it absolutely clear what we are seeking:
Job Security with jurisdictional language, improved job posting procedures, tech-change protection and less reliance on contractors and off-shoring.
Overall Compensation with improved time off provisions (Vacation, Holidays, etc), protecting PDO’s and other paid leaves, premiums and benefits, and of course improved wages!
For example, Telus is seeking that DHT’s do the traditional I&R role for less pay.
Your Union wants a clear definition of the DHT work and a clear path of transition for DHTs into I&R.
Telus continues to offshore call centre jobs, while overwhelming members with the blending of skill-sets and queues, offering no guarantees of job protection.
Your Bargaining Committee is keenly aware of the increase of the Cost of Living and the industry standard for pay.
Traditionally, wage increases, if any, are discussed at the end.
As negotiations continue, your Bargaining Committee is committed to sharing more detailed information.
The Company’s concessions on the table today are bad, but our message is one of strength, defiance, and optimism.
Your Solidarity and Support matter – this is everyone’s contract!
Please keep informed through the PUMA network for further updates and solidarity events.
In Solidarity,
Your Bargaining Committee
USW Local 1944
