Bell Canada’s launch of a new cloud and workforce automation brand has prompted Unifor to demand greater transparency about potential impacts on workers already facing extensive layoffs.
The telecommunications giant unveiled Ateko, its new tech services brand, without consulting the union that represents thousands of Bell employees, according to Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“While Bell picks up new tech companies, longtime employees face continued job insecurity and are left in the dark about the future direction of the company they helped to build,” said Payne.
The announcement comes amid a series of workforce reductions at Bell and its subsidiaries dating back to June 2023, totaling over 6,200 positions eliminated.
Unifor officials expressed concern about Ateko’s stated mission to help companies “streamline and modernize their operations,” which the union fears could lead to further job losses both at Bell and other Canadian companies.
“Bell workers expect to be involved in conversation about the company’s rapid and expensive shift into the tech industry,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director.
Payne suggested a collaborative approach could benefit both parties. “We can forge a new relationship. By working together, Bell workers and the company can find long term solutions that protect workers and telco jobs while growing innovation in Bell’s stated tech goals,” she said.
Earlier this year, Unifor launched the “Shame on Bell” campaign to protest the company’s outsourcing practices and cuts to Canadian newsrooms.
Unifor represents over 320,000 workers across Canada, including nearly 55,000 in Quebec.
