Employment Law

Bell Layoffs: Severance Pay for Employees

A person uses a smartphone, laptop and TV via Bell Canada services.

Bell Canada is a Canadian telecommunications and media company headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Established in 1880, it is one of the oldest and largest telecommunications providers in Canada. Bell Canada offers a range of services, including internet, television, home phone, and mobile services, catering to residential, business, and government customers. It operates under the larger umbrella of BCE Inc. (Bell Canada Enterprises), which also owns subsidiaries like Bell Media.

Bell Canada employs over 45,000 people across Canada, with roles spanning customer service, engineering, network operations, marketing, and IT support. It’s main competitors are Rogers, Telus, and Corus.


Bell Canada Layoffs: Severance pay facts

Employees at Bell Canada are entitled to up to 24 months of severance pay when laid off or terminated without cause, whether full-time, part-time, or hourly. Some independent contractors may also qualify for severance.

Key Severance Facts

  • Severance Pay: Severance can reach up to 24 months’ pay and is calculated based on factors such as position, length of service, age, and ability to find similar work. Explore detailed information about severance pay in in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.
  • What’s Included: Severance packages may include salary, bonuses, commissions, and other compensation earned during employment.
  • Deadlines: Employees generally have up to two years from the date of termination to pursue severance, regardless of any timelines mentioned in employer documents.

Note: We’ve assisted individuals in a variety of roles, from entry-level to executive positions, in obtaining enhanced severance packages.


How is severance pay calculated for Bell Canada employees?

Severance packages are designed to provide financial support during a career transition. Key factors include:

  • Length of Service: Employees with longer tenure may be entitled to more compensation.
  • Age: Older employees may receive additional severance, reflecting potential challenges in finding similar work.
  • Position: Specialized roles or senior positions can lead to higher compensation.
  • Availability of Comparable Roles: Severance may account for the ease or difficulty of finding equivalent employment.
  • Employment Contracts: While some employment agreements attempt to limit severance, not all limitations are enforceable.

It’s a common misconception that employees are only entitled to the minimum amounts set by employment standards legislation. Many individuals qualify for much larger packages under common law—up to 24 months’ pay. Use our Severance Pay Calculator for a quick estimate of what you might be owed.

To learn more about how severance works in Canada, watch this quick primer featuring employment lawyer Lior Samfiru:


What to expect during a layoff at Bell Canada

Navigating a layoff can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can help you take the right steps:

  • Communication: You’ll likely be informed of the layoff through a meeting or written notice. During this meeting, you may receive documents such as a termination letter, details about severance, and information on benefits.
  • Review Documents Carefully: Avoid signing any paperwork immediately. Take the time to understand the terms and seek legal advice before agreeing to anything.
  • Support Options: Your employer may offer resources like career transition services to assist you during this period.
  • Severance Offers: Employers might set deadlines for accepting severance packages. Those deadlines aren’t legally binding—you have up to two years from the termination date to pursue your full entitlements.

Remember: You have the right to take your time and make informed decisions. Consulting an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP can help you navigate this process confidently.


Bell Canada Layoffs: Timeline and analysis

Below is a timeline of recent layoffs at Bell Canada:

  • November 2024: An undisclosed number of Bell Canada employees across multiple departments have been let go.

Steps to take if you’ve been laid off

If you’ve been impacted by layoffs, consider the following steps:

  1. Review Before Signing: Ensure any severance agreements are reviewed by an employment lawyer.
  2. Understand Your Entitlements: Use our Severance Pay Calculator for an estimate of your severance.
  3. Seek Legal Advice: Contact our team for a consultation to understand your rights.
  4. Keep Records: Save copies of termination notices, severance offers, and other relevant documents for reference.

Once you’ve taken the initial steps, it’s essential to work with experienced legal professionals to ensure your severance and rights are fully protected.


Why choose Samfiru Tumarkin LLP

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we focus on securing fair severance packages early in the process, helping employees avoid the time, expense, and stress of litigation whenever possible. With extensive experience representing non-unionized employees across various industries, we provide effective, client-focused solutions to navigate layoffs and secure what you’re owed.

If you’ve been laid off, our experienced employment lawyers are here to guide you. We offer tailored advice for employees in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, ensuring your rights are protected. Beyond employment law, we also handle disability claims and personal injury cases, providing comprehensive legal support.

Let us help you through this challenging time. Contact us today or call 1-855-821-5900 to get started.

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Additional resources for employees


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.

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