TEAM Memo
To: TEAM-IFPTE Local 161 Members
From: TEAM Office
Date: September 28, 2018
Re: More Downsizing Initiated by Bell
Yesterday, Bell announced yet another downsizing of the Manitoba workforce. On this occasion, positions covered by all three unions are to be eliminated, up to 56 jobs in total; 32 from TEAM, 15 from IBEW, and 9 from Unifor. We understand that some non-unionized jobs are also being targeted, and several employees in this group have already been "let go".
For those keeping count, this is at least the sixth downsizing since it was announced that BCE was going to purchase MTS and make "Winnipeg Bell's Western Canada Headquarters".
If you have previously been denied a voluntary departure package, we encourage you to apply again if you still wish to leave the Company. Although, to put it mildly, we are very unhappy about the elimination of more jobs, if it has to happen then we hope members who want to go are allowed to do so.
Members working in the targeted positions have been informed, and each has the opportunity to apply for an enhanced voluntary departure package (the same as that available in previous downsizings). The VRTIP information package states that if the reductions are not achieved through voluntary means, then the Company may initiate layoffs (Article 27 - Layoff). Members who are not in one of the targeted positions may also apply. The enhanced VRTIP information package is attached. The deadline for getting applications to the Company is 4 p.m. October 26th.
TEAM will do all it can to help keep members remain employed, and knowing the number and location of all VRTIP applicants may be critical in discussions around redeployments and saving someone from being laid off. We are therefore asking for your help in tracking and monitoring the progress of the voluntary departure program:
Should you wish to have a confidential discussion about your options, TEAM staff are available at: 204-984-9470, 1-877-984-9470.
TEAM-IFPTE Local 161
204-984-9470 or 1-877-984-9470