Meeting with Honourable Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology: Last week, TEAM President Dave Eyjolfson, Executive Director Carrie Sanderson and IFPTE Representative Erin Spencer met with the Honourable Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology, to discuss the continued loss of telecommunications jobs and its impact on services in Manitoba.
TEAM highlighted the significant decline in telecommunications employment since Bell acquired MTS and the importance of maintaining skilled jobs, expertise and operational capacity in Manitoba. We also discussed service reliability, including recent 911 outages and the need for improved internet and cellular coverage in rural and remote communities.
TEAM shared previous research and correspondence on telecommunications job losses and encouraged the Province to use its voice and influence to support greater investment by Bell in Manitoba jobs and services.
The meeting was open and collaborative, and we appreciated the Minister’s interest in the issues raised and the opportunity to continue the conversation.
IFPTE Condemns “Punitive” Canadian Tariff Policy: IFPTE has issued a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s latest tariffs on Canadian goods and services, warning that the escalating trade dispute will hurt workers and increase costs for working families on both sides of the border.
As an international union representing workers in both Canada and the United States, IFPTE supports strategic trade policies that protect good jobs and domestic industries, while opposing punitive tariffs that undermine workers and the economic relationship between our two countries.
Read the IFPTE’s full statement here.
TEAM Hosts Meeting of IFPTE’s Council of Canadian Locals: Last week, TEAM hosted a meeting of IFPTE’s Council of Canadian Locals (CCL) in Winnipeg. Representatives from TEAM and WAPSO/Local 162 were joined in person by IFPTE President Matt Biggs and Canadian Area staff, with representatives from the Society of United Professionals/Local 160 and IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson participating virtually.
The CCL brings Canadian IFPTE locals together to share information, discuss common issues and coordinate priorities across the country. Discussions focused on challenges facing IFPTE members and workplaces, opportunities for organizing and growth, priorities for IFPTE’s work in Canada, and planning for our upcoming convention to be held next year in Toronto.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to strengthen connections between Canadian locals and discuss ways they can continue to support one another.