Telus call center workers in Ontario fight Montreal relocation
ONTARIO, CANADA — Approximately 150 Telus call center workers in Ontario are experiencing significant stress due to the company’s mandate to relocate to Montreal or face layoffs.
These employees, represented by United Steelworkers Local 1944, were informed in July about the company’s decision, which is part of a broader return-to-office initiative.
Court temporarily blocks Ontario office closure
Telus’ Barrie, Ontario call centre was scheduled for closure this fall. However, a court injunction has temporarily halted this plan, allowing the union to argue against the sudden relocation and potential job losses.
Michael Phillips, president of United Steelworkers National Local 1944, stated, “Our members are under extreme stress at this time, especially those in Ontario being offered the choice of losing their communities or losing their jobs.”
Return-to-office policy sparks controversy
Telus announced that approximately 1,000 call center employees across Canada would need to return to office work three days a week starting in September. The closure of the Barrie site left Ontario workers without a local office to return to.
The union criticized the lack of notice and is pursuing legal options. On August 8, the British Columbia Supreme Court issued a temporary injunction against Telus’s mandate, effective until two months after an arbitrator is selected.
Union efforts to support employees
The union is actively assisting members with workplace accommodation requests and highlighting perceived contradictions between Telus’s ethical branding and employee treatment.
Although Telus has offered financial support for relocations and “financially generous” separation packages, uncertainty persists regarding how many employees have applied for other roles or are willing to move.
Uncertain future for affected employees
The arbitration process will ultimately decide the outcome of the union’s grievances against Telus’s office mandate. Telus spokesperson Brandi Merker emphasized the company’s commitment to evolving its work style post-pandemic while maintaining customer service standards.
Nevertheless, questions linger regarding the company’s commitment to finding alternative positions for affected employees.
Expert opinions on relocation policies
Speaking with The Canadian Press, employment law expert Alex Lucifero explained that relocation rules vary between unionized and non-unionized environments. In unionized settings, such decisions are dictated by collective agreements. If no relocation rules are specified in these agreements, it is up to the union to advocate for fair employment opportunities for affected workers.
Lucifero noted that an employer might have little legal recourse if they can justify relocation with legitimate business reasons unless otherwise specified in collective agreements.
