Canadian Telecom Workers Unite Against Job Offshoring
A coalition of telecom workers in Canada is raising alarms about the trend of offshoring jobs. They argue that moving these positions overseas could have serious repercussions for the country.
the Canadian Telecommunications Workers Alliance (CTWA) consists of three major unions: Unifor, CUPE, adn the United Steelworkers of Canada (USW). Together, they represent over 1.3 million workers, with around 32,000 employed in the telecommunications sector.
Call for Legislative Action
In a recent statement from Unifor, the CTWA urged the federal government to introduce laws aimed at safeguarding Canadian jobs and ensuring privacy and security within Canada's telecommunications framework. The alliance emphasized that protecting local employment is crucial for maintaining a robust economy.
The Impact of Job Losses
The CTWA highlighted that nearly 20,000 telecom jobs have been outsourced to various countries over the past decade. These include locations like India, Egypt, and even parts of North America such as the U.S. This trend not only results in job losses but also raises important concerns regarding data security.
When companies outsource work to foreign subcontractors, they often bypass canadian regulations designed to protect sensitive information. This situation poses risks not just to individual privacy but also threatens national security by allowing foreign entities access to critical dialog systems.
A Growing Trend Among Major Telecom Companies
This warning comes amid ongoing job cuts among Canada's largest telecom firms. Recently, Telus announced buyouts affecting nearly 700 employees across Canada; this included more than 500 members from USW alone. Earlier this year alone saw Telus offer buyouts again while laying off approximately 6,000 workers in total during previous rounds of cuts.
Bell's Layoff History
Bell has also been partaking in significant layoffs recently; reports indicate nearly 700 non-unionized employees were let go during holiday season cutbacks last year. in February this year alone, Bell offered voluntary separation packages to around 1,200 unionized staff members after previously cutting about 4,800 positions as part of a restructuring effort.
Rogers' Workforce Reductions
Rogers has faced its share of workforce reductions too; last year it ended its contract with Foundever which resulted in roughly 1,000 call center employees losing their jobs. Additionally reported were layoffs impacting another group consisting mainly of online chat agents earlier this year due to similar reasons linked with company restructuring following its merger with Shaw—despite promises made during negotiations about creating new roles within Western Canada post-merger approval by regulators.
The Ericsson Controversy
A troubling incident occurred when Rogers compelled around 400 technical staff members into signing contracts with Ericsson only for those same individuals later facing layoffs as Ericsson transitioned their roles abroad—specifically towards India-based labor sources instead—after attempts at unionizing took place among them prior thereto despite denials from Ericsson regarding any connection between these events according conservative ministers who called upon Liberal officials urging them halt such actions citing national security issues involved here too!
A Call for Change
This situation highlights an urgent need for action against job outsourcing practices within Canada's telecommunications industry before further damage occurs both economically & socially alike! The CTWA’s plea serves as a reminder that protecting local employment should be prioritized alongside ensuring data safety standards remain intact throughout all operations conducted domestically or internationally alike!
And don't forget! NoveByte might earn a little pocket change when you click on our links helping us keep this delightful journalism rollercoaster free for all! These links don’t sway our editorial judgment so you can trust us! If you’re feeling generous support us here.
