More than 200 jobs at TELUS across Quebec, which cost an average of $85,000 a year, are at risk, according to a union worried about impending job relocation.
“We’ve approached employees about voluntary departures, but we fear these jobs will be relocated,” said Brian Leclerc, president of the Union of Supervisors of TELUS (SAMT).
Professionals in marketing, business analysis, project and network management… more than 135 employees of his unit had an entry-level offer from the 550 employees.
A majority of the jobs are in Rimouski, but also throughout Quebec. SAMT told the Journal that unionized employees of the Steelworkers and CUPE were also affected.
“We know very well that there were missions in India. The employer has sent resources to train the people there so they can do some of the work,” said the union’s Brian Leclerc.
“It is certain that French is not spoken over there. “Our customers’ service will leave a lot to be desired,” he complains.
Philippines, Romania, Bulgaria, San Salvador, Guatemala… union members fear TELUS is looking for countries with lower wages than here. “Sometimes we have six for one when it comes to compensation. You can’t keep up with that,” regrets Brian Leclerc, head of SAMT.
“If TELUS does not commit to preserving Canadian jobs, we call on your government to suspend government contracts with the company,” Steelworkers leaders said in a press release.
TELUS fights back
Along with Le Journal, TELUS defended itself by prioritizing “digital, convenient and user-friendly self-service options” for its customers.
“We have made significant investments in technology and continue to develop our business to support the development of new technologies in a dynamic business environment,” said spokeswoman Jacinthe Beaulieu.
“Given these trends, we are offering a voluntary segregation program and anticipate that a limited number of people in Quebec will be interested in this pan-Canadian program,” she concluded.