Telus Buyouts: Are More Layoffs Coming?
What is the reason for Telus Buyouts?
Telus is moving forward with another round of buyouts, affecting 571 employees across the country. This includes 85 members of the union representing Telus employees (SQET-CUPE 5044), 86 members from the union representing supervisory personnel (SAMT-CUPE 5144), and 400 members of Métallos.
Union leaders fear this is only the first step in a larger wave of job cuts. Brian Leclerc, president of SAMT 5144, warns that if Telus doesn’t meet its buyout target, the next step will likely be forced layoffs.
“Let’s not be naive here. We’ve seen this scenario play out before,” said Leclerc. “With each round of offers, we lose about 5% of our members. Over the last decade, our workforce has been cut in half.”
Is Telus Pulling Out of Quebec?
The latest buyouts are hitting Quebec hard, and union leaders believe this is part of a bigger plan. Luc Pouliot, president of SQET-CUPE 5044, suggests Telus is looking to shift jobs out of the province under the guise of improving customer service and adopting new technology.
“The reality is that Telus is replacing our unionized jobs with overseas workers and outsourcing contracts,” said Pouliot. “This comes at the expense of Quebec expertise.”
The regions most affected include Rimouski (Lower St. Lawrence) and Sainte-Marie (Beauce), where Telus employees play a key role in the local economy.
Will the Government Step In?
Unions are calling on both the provincial and federal governments to take action. They argue that public funds should not be used to eliminate Canadian jobs.
“In 2023, Telus received $53.5 million in government subsidies from Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne,” said Pouliot. “That money should be used to create jobs, not send them elsewhere.”
Union leaders are demanding concrete measures to prevent further job losses and protect Quebec’s workforce. The question remains: will the government intervene before it’s too late?
What Should Laid-Off Telus Employees Know About Severance?
If you have been impacted by the recent layoffs at Telus, it is essential to be aware of your severance rights. The severance you may receive is determined by factors such as your position, years of service, and age.
For unionized employees, severance entitlements are specified in collective agreements. Non-unionized employees, on the other hand, may be eligible for up to 24 months’ pay, depending on individual circumstances.
Receiving fair compensation is vital during this transition. If you have been affected, it is advisable to seek legal guidance to evaluate your severance package and safeguard your rights. Get in touch with us online or call (416) 640-2667 for a consultation.