Current TEAM Downsizing and VRTIP: We are still waiting to receive the final results of the current VRTIP program from Bell. We understand that the majority of applicants have already been advised of the outcome of their applications, including all of those that Bell approved with an April 12, 2024, departure date. However, Bell advises that there are some affected employees who have not yet been notified. Once we are able to do so, we will release the results to the membership. In the meantime, we ask members who have been approved for the VRTIP and who are eligible to receive a departing gift from TEAM, to please contact the TEAM office to make gift arrangements or to determine your eligibility.
Campaign to Keep Telco Jobs in Manitoba and TEAM: On March 26th, TEAM President, Dave Eyjolfson and Executive Director, Erin Spencer, along with IFPTE Representatives, Anna Liu and Bill Fitzpatrick, met with Manitoba’s Minister of Labour and Immigration, the Honourable, Malaya Marcelino. The meeting was held in response to TEAM’s outreach to the Minister’s office earlier this year to discuss the impact of the job loss that has occurred since Bell took over MTS and the company’s recent decision to cut 4,800 more jobs, including 44 from the TEAM bargaining unit.
During the meeting, TEAM highlighted the importance and legacy of good telco jobs in the Manitoba economy for over 100 years. Under Bell’s leadership, the company has eliminated nearly 1,000 jobs from the province. After hearing TEAM’s presentation, the Minister voiced her concern at the loss of jobs and was willing to pursue a dialogue to explore the need for keeping good jobs in Manitoba. The Minister also committed to helping us raise awareness of the issue by connecting TEAM with other ministers to explore additional avenues further.
TEAM looks forward to continuing to build on the groundwork that we’ve laid to help keep telecommunications jobs in Manitoba.
Scholarship Opportunities for TEAM Members and Members’ Children or Grandchildren: The following scholarship opportunities are open to either TEAM members or their children or grandchildren to apply:
- IFPTE Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Annual Scholarships: Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Dominick D. Critelli, Jr. Annual Scholarships.The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers awards four scholarships of $2,500 USD each to children or grandchildren of IFPTE members who wish to continue their education beyond high school. Details of the scholarships, eligibility criteria and the application form can be found here. A TEAM member’s child has been awarded a scholarship the past three years in a row – let’s see if we can keep the streak alive. Applications must be postmarked or submitted electronically on or before May 15, 2024.
- MFL Al and Alma Cerilli Scholarship: This $1,000 award is offered annually by the Manitoba Federation of Labour’s Young Members Committee to an active member of an affiliated union under the age of 35 to assist in advancing their post-secondary education. The application for this year’s MFL Al and Alma Cerilli Scholarship can be found here. The deadline for submissions is May 31, 2024.
- UNE High School Scholarship: Through TEAM’s affiliation with the Winnipeg Labour Council, we are aware of a scholarship opportunity of up to $1,000 available to TEAM members’ children, offered by the Union of National Employees (UNE). This opportunity is open to all union members’ children graduating high school in 2024. Here are links to the criteria and additional information and application form. Applications must be received by May 31, 2024. Please contact UNE directly with questions about the scholarship.
Look for details on the 2024 TEAM Annual Scholarship awards to go out in August.