The Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) has been notified by TELUS that Competitive Operator Services in both Calgary and Edmonton will be closing effective October 26, 2009.

  TELUS plans to do this in two phases, terminating the employment of 65 operators on September 25, and the remaining 36 more senior employees in October.  TELUS claims technology has seen a decline in calls to the centres, and they cite, due to economies of scale, the Calgary and Edmonton offices must be closed.  We are told the work will be moving to the New Westminster office, offshore, and to another Bargaining Unit in Rimouski and Montréal that is represented by a different union.

National Vice-President, John Carpenter says, “The TWU is very disappointed in TELUS’ decision to close the centres as this will put over 100 people out on the street in the middle of a recession, without work to support their families.  This means more jobs leaving Canada.  When is this going to end?  It’s absolutely shameful!”

The TWU has filed a Policy grievance regarding TELUS’ actions.  TELUS is failing to comply with various sections of our Collective Agreement and the Canada Labour Code. The TWU legal team is currently applying to the Minister of Labour for an early appointment of an arbitrator to obtain interim relief in hopes of preventing the closure of the centres until the matter can be properly heard through the grievance process and arbitrated if necessary. We are hopeful to see a positive outcome.  As more information becomes available, we will update you.