Bell will shut down its Expertech subsidiary on Jan. 25, 2026, eliminating 538 positions across Ontario and Quebec, according to Unifor.
The closure affects 510 technicians and auxiliary workers and 28 clerical employees. Most workers received severance packages and their final working day was Dec. 5.
Bell cited a decrease in fibre-optic network construction projects as the reason for the closure, according to the union.
Union secures placements for majority of workers
Unifor negotiated placement for approximately 65% of affected workers into other bargaining units within the company following the closure announcement.
“Bell’s constant cycle of job cuts treats workers as disposable, draining the company of valuable talent,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president. “While this is not the outcome we hoped for, we succeeded in securing employment for a majority of workers, ensuring their expertise remains in the industry.”
Pattern of workforce reductions continues
The closure represents the latest workforce reduction at Bell, which has implemented multiple rounds of job cuts in recent years.
“In Quebec and across the country, Bell’s decision to shut down Expertech is one more brutal example of a highly profitable corporation turning its back on the very people who built and maintained its network,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec director.
The union continues to call on Bell to invest in its workforce and retain experienced telecommunications workers.
Unifor represents 320,000 workers in the private sector across Canada.
