Telus Offers Buyouts to 700 Employees
Why is Telus Offering Buyouts to Employees?
Telus Corp., one of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies, is offering voluntary buyouts to approximately 700 employees across the country. This move, announced by union representatives, is part of the company’s efforts to streamline its workforce amid industry shifts.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) disclosed in a Jan. 30 news release that Telus has introduced departure packages to reduce staffing levels. The offer affects around 100 members of the Quebec-based union SQET-CUPE 5044, 90 members of SAMT-CUPE 5144, which represents supervisory personnel, and 510 members of Le Syndicat des Métallos, the Quebec branch of the United Steelworkers union.
How Are Unions Responding?
Union leaders have expressed concern over the impact of these buyouts on the telecommunications sector. Luc Pouliot, president of SQET-CUPE 5044, highlighted that the initiative raises critical questions about the future of high-quality jobs in both Quebec and the rest of Canada.
“This wave of buyouts sacrifices employee expertise, weakening the local telecommunications industry,” Pouliot stated. “Each package represents a loss of invaluable know-how, which could jeopardize Telus’s ability to provide reliable service.”
Has Telus Cut Jobs Before?
This isn’t the first time Telus has trimmed its workforce. In May 2023, the company announced a similar buyout initiative, citing investments in customer service technology and self-serve options as reasons for the reductions.
Just three months later, Telus revealed plans to cut 6,000 positions—4,000 from its core business and 2,000 from Telus International—blaming regulatory, competitive, and economic pressures. According to its 2023 annual report, Telus had 106,400 employees at the end of the year, down from 108,500 the previous year. The company also reported a 50 percent drop in net income, from $1.7 billion in 2022 to $867 million in 2023.
To address financial challenges, Telus informed shareholders that it would implement cost-cutting measures, including workforce reductions and operational efficiency initiatives.
What Is the CRTC’s Stance on Competition?
The CRTC maintains that its policies are designed to enhance competition in the internet service market. The regulator argues that enabling smaller providers to use major telecom companies’ networks fosters affordability, consumer choice, and innovation.
In August 2024, the CRTC ordered Bell Canada, SaskTel, and Telus to grant wholesale access to their fibre networks by Feb. 13, 2025. This move is intended to level the playing field for smaller competitors while ensuring Canadians have access to diverse and affordable internet services.
What’s Next for Telus Employees?
As Telus proceeds with its workforce reduction plans, affected employees face uncertainty about their future in the telecom sector. Unions continue to push back against the buyouts, emphasizing the loss of skilled workers and the potential long-term consequences for service quality.
Meanwhile, regulatory decisions and competitive pressures will likely shape further industry changes, influencing how major telecom companies balance profitability, investment, and employment stability.
What Should Telus Employees Know About Severance?
If you’re a Telus employee impacted by the company’s recent buyout offers, it’s essential to understand your severance rights before making any decisions. Severance pay depends on factors like your length of service, role, and age. In many cases, non-unionized employees may be entitled to packages of up to 24 months’ pay.
At Whitten & Lublin, our employment lawyers have extensive experience guiding employees through severance negotiations. We’re here to ensure you receive fair compensation and don’t settle for less than you deserve. If you’ve been affected by Telus’s workforce reductions, contact us for a consultation online or call (416) 640-2667.