TEAM Members Take-A-Break

Over 200 members and guests of TEAM/IFPTE Local 161 took part in the Local’s special lunch event. A fixture prior to the pandemic, the event returned with gusto to Winnipeg. The event not only provided members with lunch in the park but also raised their awareness about the “Good Jobs in Manitoba” campaign that is being promoted by TEAM.  

A number of special guests joined the event to bring greetings and solidarity to the TEAM membership. Mark Wasyliw, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Opposition Critic for Economic Development, Investment and Trade as well as the Critic for Environment and Climate Change and Efficiency Manitoba; Kevin Rebeck, President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour; Melissa Dvorak, President of the Winnipeg Labour Council; Molly McCracken, Manitoba Director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA); and Doug Smith, Researcher and Writer for the CCPA spoke to the attendees about the effects of privatization, job loss, and the impact on Manitobans.  

MLA Wasilyw along with other guest speakers also spoke passionately about the importance of getting engaged in the upcoming provincial election in Manitoba (October 3). The various speakers spoke of different ways that members can get involved over the course of the summer.  

"We are so honoured to have such strong allies standing with us. Our efforts to protect good jobs at Bell MTS is of paramount importance and will be a cornerstone of TEAM’s focus as the year progresses," said TEAM President, Dave Eyjolfson.  

Next week, TEAM will be launching a report written by the CCPA analyzing the telecommunications industry in Manitoba and the loss of jobs in recent years at Bell MTS.

Back row L-R: Melissa Dvorak, Molly McCracken, Doug Smith, David Eyjolfson, Kevin Rebeck, MLA Mark Wasyliw, and Bill Fitzpatrick 

Front row L-R: Erin Spencer and Anna Liu