The Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU) is pleased to announce that the Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has granted a hearing date on December 2-4, 2009, for a grievance filed last June by the TWU against TELUS regarding the LTS contractor situation.

“We are pleased to have been granted a hearing in the near future and look forward to presenting our case,” said George Doubt, TWU National President.  He continued, “Bargaining Unit members not only fear losing their jobs to offshoring but, now, to contractors. That is wrong.”

As you may recall, a Hotline was sent on June 22, 2009, explaining that Bargaining Unit members in Alberta and British Columbia are losing their jobs, not only through outsourcing to other countries but to contractors employed by companies such as LTS and ATI. TELUS employees are being declared surplus while contractors perform work such as installation and repair, ADSL 2+ migration, clerical, dispatch and technician work. These contract employees have unfettered access to TELUS buildings, warehouse supplies and computer systems. They have similar protocols, standards and policies, apparel, carry TELUS ID’s and business cards and their vehicles are identified by the TELUS logo.

We believe the employees appearing to work for LTS are, in reality, the same as regular TELUS employees. It is only a matter of form that the entity “LTS” is being used in an attempt to disguise the real situation.

The TWU will keep members updated as this issue progresses.