TEAM Jobs Reductions and Bell VSP/VRTIP: We understand that Bell is still working its way through redeployments and position changes resulting from the current downsizing initiative and enhanced VSP/VRTIP offering. Impacted employees, including VRTIP applicants, can expect to receive further information by April 14th.
We can also report that Bell has decided to change how the departure dates will be handled in this VSP/VRTIP; the majority of approved applicants can now expect to receive a departure date at the same as their notice of approval (instead of 2-4 weeks before their actual departure).
While we remain hopeful that Bell will not initiate any layoffs of TEAM members to achieve its desired number of job cuts for this round, in the event that Bell does decide to initiate layoffs, we remind members that it must meet with TEAM and “seriously discuss further ways to minimize or avert layoffs by reviewing issues such as redeployment opportunities, lateral transfer opportunities, vacancies, etc.” ( Article 27.02). Bell must also provide notice to TEAM of the layoffs two weeks before it notifies the people who are being laid off (Article 27.03.1). During this two-week period, TEAM will continue with efforts to prevent the layoffs; however, we cannot tell anyone that we have received notice of layoffs, nor can we advise anyone of who is to be laid off. It is important that we have as much up to date information as possible on potential options for averting layoffs should we need to advocate for TEAM members to remain employed during this period,
To that end, if you are in a targeted position and concerned you may be laid off, and you have not already done so, we invite you to provide us with a copy of your resume and any additional information you believe may be helpful in averting a layoff, e.g., other jobs in the company for which you would qualify; information about your skill, ability, qualifications, and performance in relation to the assessment for layoff procedure under Article 27.04.1 that you believe may be helpful.
IFPTE Urges Manitoba Government to Protect Telco Jobs in the Province: Last week, as media reports highlighted that Bell (BCE) paid its top executives over $5 million in bonuses in 2024, despite decreased profits, a whopping 30% drop in stock price, and thousands of job cuts – including this recent round of downsizing eliminating another 1,200 unionized jobs across the country and over 70 from TEAM, the IFPTE sent a letter to Premier Kinew urging action from his government to help stem the job loss and safeguard telecommunications jobs in Manitoba.
Under Bell, over 35% of unionized jobs in Manitoba have been eliminated from the company, and TEAM has been hit the hardest, as our membership has been reduced by over 50% since 2017. These cuts not only impact the workers directly affected but also place enormous strain on those who remain, increasing workplace stress and workloads and negatively impacting services and supports available to the public, as well as our provincial economy. The IFPTE is committed to continuing to push for action at both the federal and provincial levels of government to protect these high skilled, well paid jobs, in Manitoba and TEAM.
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 2025 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 four 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, 2025.
- MFL Al and Alma Cerilli Young Activist 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 30, 2025.
- UNE High School Scholarships: 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 2025. Here are links to the criteria and selection process, as well as the application form. Applications must be received by May 31, 2025. Please contact UNE directly with questions about the scholarship.
Look for details on the 2025 TEAM Annual Scholarship awards to go out later this year.
Collective Agreement Negotiations: Negotiations with Bell to renew our collective agreement will ‘officially’ get underway shortly, with the parties in the process of establishing initial meeting dates, likely sometime in May. The provisions of the existing collective agreement remain in place during the negotiation process (unless and until the agreement is terminated pursuant to Article 2.02 by other party, which has never actually occurred). Further collective bargaining updates will be provided shortly.
TEAM Executive Director Transition: We have an important update to share regarding TEAM’s leadership. Katherine Johnson has departed from her role as Executive Director (ED). On behalf of the Board and membership, we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
With vital work underway and ahead, including responding to Bell’s ongoing downsizing and a critical round of collective bargaining, the TEAM Board made the decision to appoint an Interim ED. This approach ensures stability and sustained focus during this period, while allowing the time necessary for a comprehensive hiring process for the permanent role, which will be posted later this year.
Following a carefully considered and weighed selection process involving oversight from TEAM’s legal counsel, the Board has appointed former TEAM Vice-President, Carrie Sanderson, as Interim ED. Carrie brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to supporting our members through the challenges ahead. She has been a Marketing professional and TEAM member for almost 25 years and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba, with a focus in Marketing and Human Resources. Prior to joining the TEAM Board in 2021, Carrie was active in TEAM as a former Communications Action Representative (CAR), Local Health & Safety Representative, and Bargaining Committee member. While on the Board, Carrie held the position of Secretary/Treasurer before moving into the Vice President role at the start of her second term in January 2023, and she also participated as a member of our Negotiating team during the last round of collective bargaining.
We look forward to working with Carrie in her new capacity as Interim ED, and we appreciate your continued support during this transition as we remain firmly focused on protecting and advancing the interests of our membership.