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TEAM MEMO
To:          TEAM-IFPTE Local 161 Members
From:     TEAM Office
Date:       May 1, 2017
Re:          Enhanced VRTIP

Today, Bell MTS announced that it is seeking to reduce the number of employees in TEAM’s jurisdiction.  Up to 85 positions have been targeted for elimination.  Our Collective Agreement requires that the Company seek voluntary reductions prior to laying off any TEAM member.  It is TEAM’s hope that the reduction quota is achieved through voluntary means.  As such, TEAM and Bell MTS negotiated an agreement to enhance the payouts for all VRTIP categories.

Unlike in previous VRTIP offerings, where the payout for members in Category 3 and 4 was the same for volunteering as being laid off, there is now an additional four-week lump sum payable.  Lump sums for Category 1 and 2 have each been increased by ten weeks.  It should be noted that these enhancements to the VRTIP payouts are not permanent.  The agreement reached with the Company is for this round of job reductions only, and there are no indications that it will be repeated in the future.

• VRTIP Tracking:  To assist TEAM in mapping and monitoring the progress of the voluntary departure program, we ask members in targeted positions to advise the office, providing their name and position title (click here).  If you wish to share your intention to apply for the VRTIP or not, that information will be kept confidential.  Likewise, members who are not in a targeted position, but intend to apply for the VRTIP, may advise the office (click here), as knowing the number and location of all applicants will assist TEAM in discussions around redeployments and saving someone from being laid off.

• Leaving Gifts:  TEAM has a longstanding practice of presenting members who are leaving the Company with a departure gift.  If you or a colleague meet the below Board Policy criteria, email the office so a gift can be prepared and presentation or delivery arranged.

     Board Policy #11: Gifts - Retirement or for Departing Members

 On notification of a retirement or departure by the TEAM member concerned or a colleague, TEAM will present a gift to members in good standing who leave the Company at retirement after one years membership in TEAM, or after five years membership if not commencing retirement (excluding members terminated for just cause).

For members who are retiring, TEAM also covers the first year’s membership fee of the Telephone Retirees Association of Manitoba (TRAM).  This organization provides support for the Retiree Pension Committee Representative and advocates on a number of issues on behalf of retirees.

• Should you wish to discuss your options confidentially, call the office on 204-984-9470 or email [email protected].

TEAM-IFPTE Local 161
204-984-9470 or 1-877-984-9470
[email protected]
www.teamunion.mb.ca
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