Telus offers severance packages to hundreds of workers in February

What’s going on at Telus?

Telus reportedly offered voluntary severance packages to hundreds of Canadian employees in February.

“At a time when Canada is striving to boost productivity, sustain economic growth and compete in global markets, Telus is once again cutting jobs and reducing service levels for Canadian businesses all while continuing to outsource work overseas,” Michael Phillips, president of the United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 1944, said in a recent news release.

“Enough is enough. Canadians deserve better and it’s time to hold Telus accountable.”

USW and other unions claim that the buyouts targeted a variety of departments, including Telus Business Solutions, Small-Medium Business 100, network operations, engineering, cable repair, and outside plant construction.

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Were non-union workers offered packages?

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is working to determine if Telus offered voluntary severance packages to non-unionized employees.

It’s crucial for workers in Canada to understand their rights in this situation.

Should I accept a voluntary severance package?

Non-unionized employees in Canada shouldn’t accept a voluntary severance package before speaking with an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

This includes individuals working full-time, part-time, or hourly in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (B.C.).

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru delves into severance pay on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

In some cases, individuals could be owed far more compensation if they’re fired by the company — or let go involuntarily.

Major employers slashing staff

Reports of voluntary buyouts at Telus come amid a flurry of job cuts to start 2025.

Big names, including MLSE, Disney, Autodesk, Mohawk College, JPMorgan, Vale, Meta, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, Shopify, Stripe, BP, Microsoft, Hudson’s Bay, and Wayfair, have pulled out the axe as they navigate challenging economic conditions.

SEE ALSO
• ‘We lost our agility’: Estée Lauder planning to slash up to 7,000 jobs
• Canada’s immigration department slashing workforce by 25%
• Where are layoffs happening in Canada?

Workplace issue? Contact us

Since 2007, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or B.C., our lawyers can review your situation, enforce your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and SHOULD NOT be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.