TEAM-Local 161 and the CCPA Release Study, "For Whom the Bell Tolls: The Privatization of Manitoba Telecom Services and its Impacts"
On June 20, in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), TEAM - IFPTE Local 161 held a press conference announcing the release of a study titled, “For Whom the Bell Tolls: The Privatization of Manitoba Telecom Services and its Impacts.” The study chronicles how MTS was once an engine of the Manitoba economy, delivering affordable rates across the province and offering good jobs to generations of Manitobans. Since privatization and subsequent purchase by Bell, there has been significant job loss, poor rural and northern phone service, and high rates.
The timely report was released on the heels of Bell’s announcement last week that 1,300 will be cut across Canada. Under Bell, TEAM members have been through nine rounds of downsizing resulting in the loss of over 250 jobs. In response, TEAM approached CCPA to commission the study which forms part of a larger campaign and partnership with the other unions representing Bell workers in Manitoba to raise awareness of the job loss that has occurred since MTS was acquired by Bell in 2017.
“These are good, unionized jobs being lost from the Manitoba economy. TEAM’s membership sits at almost half of what it used to be. Our union colleagues from IBEW Local 435 and Unifor Local 7 have experienced similar cuts and erosion of union membership,” said TEAM President, Dave Eyjolfson.
According to Erin Spencer, TEAM’s Executive Director, “when Bell bought MTS they said Manitoba was going to be the western headquarters of the company and they bought MTS to grow it, not shrink it, but all we’ve seen is cut after cut. Manitobans deserve better, we deserve fairness and a brighter future”.
Speakers at the press conference included report author Doug Smith; CCPA Manitoba Director, Molly McCracken; TEAM President, Dave Eyjolfson; TEAM Executive Director, Erin Spencer. Also in attendance offering their solidarity and support was the leadership of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, Winnipeg Labour Council, and IBEW Local 435.