Staff reductions hit Telus and Bell Media

Telus Corp. and BCE Inc.’s Bell Media are continuing to shed staff. This is the latest in a long line of reductions by the telecom and broadcasting giants. Telus is offering voluntary severance packages to about 560 employees. Earlier this month, the firm announced it was laying off about 700 workers. “Digital technology and growing customer demand for self-serve solutions are reshaping the market, driving us to evolve our business to meet these changing needs,” the company said in a statement to The Wire Report. “To further support this transformation, we’re offering generous financial voluntary packages that exceed the requirements of the Canada Labour Code and which give team members the option to retire or pursue a career outside of our organization.” The company added that it expects a very small number of those being offered the deal will take it. The western telecom is reserving the right to limit the number of departures. The action was first reported by the Canadian Press wire service. The United Steelworkers of America (USWA), which represents Telus employees, is distressed by the move. “If we’re going to have an economy and a business climate that’s competitive with our neighbours and with the world, then we really need to be rewarding those companies that are loyal to this country, and frankly, punishing those who ship our jobs overseas while they cut back on services to Canadian businesses,” Michael Phillips, president of USWA Local 1944 remarked in an email to The Wire Report. “And unlike most industries, businesses have trouble moving away from telecoms that provide poor customer service, because it’s a very uncompetitive industry with few choices, just the way the incumbents like it.” Meanwhile, Bell Media is continuing to grow leaner, eliminating nearly 100 jobs. “As part of Bell Media’s ongoing transformation to a digital media and content leader, we can confirm that 98 positions are impacted, predominantly in service and corporate departments,” the firm stated in an email. “Included in the total are 44 union roles, with the majority being offered voluntary separation packages by Bell Media. No CTV News journalists were affected by the changes and no news programs were cancelled.” The story was first reported by the Toronto Star. ppark@thewirereport.ca

Staff reductions hit Telus and Bell Media

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By Paul Park
| February 28, 2025

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Staff reductions hit Telus and Bell Media

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By Paul Park
| February 28, 2025