VANCOUVER – The union representing 6,800 Telus workers across the country said Monday it is gathering support for a call to strike after it failed to get a new deal with the telecommunications giant.
The United Steelworkers Local 1994 and Telus have been in a back-and-forth over terms since October 2021, two months before the previous contract expired. Earlier this month, the union threatened escalatory action if Telus did not agree to its terms. In December, Telus put forward a final offer that was rejected by members.
In a blog post Monday, the union announced it was rallying support for a strike and holding meetings through to the middle of this month for that purpose.
“Thanks to your unwavering support, our Union is now stronger and more cohesive than it has ever been, with the latest proof being the hundreds of members who practice-picketed in all-weather this past weekend across the country,” the blog post said.
“The number of members rising up to take action for themselves and their coworkers continues to grow day over day, week over week,” it added.
The largest private sector union in North America earlier this month urged the public and members of the union to send letters to Parliament – including to minister of innovation and labour – to get Telus back to the negotiating table.
“A labour dispute at Telus could have a significant impact on customers across Canada,” the letter said. “Telus’s actions are putting customers and workers alike at risk.”
