Bell offering severance packages to staff, citing ‘unprecedented challenges’

What’s going on at Bell?

Bell Canada has launched what it calls an “enhanced voluntary separation program” for eligible employees — giving individuals the option to retire or accept a severance package and find work elsewhere.

Currently, the telecommunications giant is offering packages to approximately 1,200 unionized workers. Bell Media staff aren’t eligible for the program.

A spokesperson told CBC News that the company has made several organizational changes as it navigates “unprecedented challenges,” resulting in reduced workloads “requiring fewer positions.”

SEE ALSO
• Chevron planning to slash up to 20% of staff, offering voluntary buyouts
• Rogers offering voluntary severance packages to staff after Shaw merger
• Telus offering severance, retirement packages to customer support workers

Union reaction

The union representing Bell employees condemned the voluntary buyout program — calling it “a damaging stunt to temporarily reduce costs.”

“Bell cannot keep cutting jobs every year and expect the ship to turn itself around,” Lana Payne, Unifor’s national president, said in a statement.

“Canada is potentially facing a trade war with the U.S., and Bell has chosen to once again leave Canadian workers unemployed in part to satisfy its move into the American market.”

SEE ALSO
• Trudeau, Trump agree to ‘pause’ proposed tariffs until March 1
• Trump announces ‘steel and aluminum tariffs 2.0’, Canada affected
• How Trump’s tariffs could affect Canadians: 3 key employee rights

Are non-unionized workers being offered packages?

Samfiru Tumarkin LLP is working to determine if Bell is offering 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 (BC).

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

📺 WATCH: Everything You Need to Know About Mass Terminations

Lost Your Job? Get Help Now

📞 Contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP: 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Our experienced employment lawyers in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia (BC) have helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues, including wrongful dismissals.

If you’ve lost your job at Bell for any reason, don’t panic. We can review your situation, assess your legal options, and help you secure the compensation you’re legally entitled to.

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.