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.”

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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.”

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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 (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

Bell’s voluntary buyout program comes amid a flurry of job cuts to start 2025.

Big names, including Vale, Unity, Meta, Canada Post, Workday, ADM, Amazon, Shopify, Stripe, BP, Microsoft, Hudson’s Bay, and Wayfair, have pulled out the axe as they continue to navigate challenging economic conditions.

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• ‘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.