The Telecommunications Workers Union values the personal experiences of its members and wants to share these stories with other members from across the country. We are always looking for new stories to use on our website and in our print materials.

The thoughts, ideas and experiences of our members can help shape and strengthen our Union. Feel free to write about anything that you want to share. Have your voice heard! It will make a difference. If you would prefer not to write it yourself, please contact us (see details below), and we will work with you to craft your story the way you want. You may speak publicly or anonymously.

We would like to take advantage of the power of the written word (through the Internet and print) to cross boarders and share the many incredible personal accounts of people and families whose lives are being constantly affected by many issues such as offshoring. It’s time that everyone know how decisions to offshore jobs, based solely on maximizing profit margins by large Corporations such as TELUS, have impacted their employees as well as the Canadian communities where they make their profit. If someone has a story to share, we want everyone to hear it!

As union members, we value and appreciate many things in our day to day lives that many people are not yet able to take advantage of. There is a lot of good in our lives that gives us all common ground. Let’s hear about it!

Remember, you ARE your union. Be HEARD!

Please send your story to our Communications Specialist, Diane Pépin, at diane.pepin@twu-stt.ca or call (604) 437-8601 (collect calls accepted). There is no maximum length, but we ask that you try to keep it to less than 500 words. If we choose to use your story, we will contact you first.

If you would prefer a ‘question and answer’ format, please feel free to use some or all of the questions below as a guide.

1. Are you presently working for TELUS?
Yes – What is your function?
No – What was your function?
 
2. How much job security do you feel you have with TELUS? How has this affected you at home/off the job?

3. Has your position been affected by TELUS’ reorganization? If so, how?

4. How do you feel about TELUS offshoring jobs to other countries such as the Philippines, India and Guatemala?

5. What do you believe TELUS should be doing that they aren’t doing?

6. What union benefits, protections and opportunities have you made use of?

7. What do you feel are the most important things your union can provide for you?

8. How would you direct the Union to be more relevant to your live as a whole, not only on the job?

9. What do you think about employer and/or union provided education courses?

10. If you are aware of these courses, which do you think are most valuable, have already taken or would like to see added?

11. What socially or politically active events have you participated in? (E.g. Through work, at home, for fun, or in support of something you believe in.)

12. What kind of events would you want to be involved in? (This includes picket campaigns, backyard BBQs, pool tournaments, membership outreach charity drives, community involvement, etc.)

13. Over the next 5 years what changes do you see happening with regard to your work life and your home life? What could you and your union do to help make sure the next 5 years bring you as much positive change as possible?