BURNABY, B.C. – A union representing Telus workers is threatening to escalate actions in the absence of a better labour deal with the telecom giant.
Hundreds of Telus workers and members of the United Steelworkers union have been going through picket training over the past several weeks after the union and the country’s third largest telecom could not hammer out a tentative agreement on a new labour deal.
Since then, the union has said Telus has refused to resume negotiations.
“In the coming days we will commence a new phase of escalated actions across the country, which we intend will last until the end of February if no deal can be reached, at which time we will assess the need to resort to the strongest possible measures,” a Tuesday blog post on the union webpage said.
“Hold the line as we prepare for what comes next; patience and calm resolve are vital at this time. Please watch for further updates on upcoming solidarity actions and continue to support your Bargaining Committee.”
Telus has said that it is offering the members a better deal than what the union is asking for. Telus did not respond to a request for comment.
The union represents nearly quarter of a million workers across the country and is the largest private sector union in North America.
