TORONTO – Bell Canada Enterprises shareholders are risking their investment, the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union told those attending the company’s annual general meeting in Toronto today.
By not settling with striking telephone installation and repair workers employed by Bell Subco (Entourage), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bell Canada, service levels at Bell have fallen well below regulated levels imposed by the CRTC, says CEP Canada.
"That means," said CEP Ontario administrative vice-president Bob Huget, "that Bell Canada is potentially subject to millions of dollars in penalties for not living up to its service commitments. That money will come directly out of shareholders’ pockets."
New CRTC service regulations combined with other recent regulatory decisions favouring cable and other service providers of VOIP mean that Bell needs the strikers back on the job more than ever, Huget added.
"You have the power to ensure that qualified technicians are back on the job and providing the skilled workforce needed to meet the competition head on," CEP strikers said in a message handed to shareholders as they entered the meeting.
"Protect your investment. Tell (BCE chair) Michael Sabia that it’s time to negotiate a fair settlement to the dispute."
The union has launched a major effort amongst Bell subscribers to report service troubles to the CRTC and to demand rebates for poor or non-existent service.
The 1,400 Bell Subco technicians have been on strike since March 24.
