Bell Canada has announced a voluntary severance program for 1,200 unionized employees, citing ongoing industry challenges and a shift toward newer fibre networks as reasons for the decision. A spokesperson for the company confirmed on Tuesday, stating that the “enhanced voluntary separation program” will provide eligible employees the option to retire or seek new employment opportunities. Bell Media employees are not included in this buyout program.
According to the company, organizational changes and advances in network technology have reduced workloads, making fewer positions necessary. Bell Canada has framed the move as part of its long-term restructuring strategy in an evolving telecom landscape.
However, the union representing Bell workers, Unifor, has strongly condemned the workforce reductions. Lana Payne, Unifor’s national president, called the severance program a “damaging stunt” that aims to temporarily inflate profits at the expense of workers. She further criticized Bell’s decision, stating that Canada is potentially facing a trade war with the U.S., and Bell’s continued layoffs could leave Canadian workers vulnerable while the company expands its footprint in the American market.
The telecom industry in Canada has experienced significant restructuring over the past year, with companies like BCE and Rogers making aggressive cost-cutting measures. In September 2024, Bell sold its 37.5% ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) to Rogers for $4.7 billion, before announcing a $5-billion acquisition of U.S.-based Ziply just months later.
These severance packages come as part of a broader pattern of job reductions at Bell, following 1,300 layoffs in June 2023, a February 2024 round of 4,800 job cuts, and additional technical staff layoffs later that year. The latest move further signals the growing turbulence within Canada’s telecom industry as companies adapt to shifting market conditions.