TORONTO – The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) is accusing Bell of violating its employees’ right to unionize.
CEP said that it began an organizing drive in June at the Bell Mobility customer service centre in Mississauga, ON, where more than 1,500 workers are employed. The union alleges that a number of Bell employees have been pressured by members of Bell Mobility’s leadership development program into signing forms revoking their membership in the union, and that employees were told that they will lose their jobs or be "locked out" if a union comes in. It also claims that managers are circulating an article about Bell Aliant closing three call centres in Eastern Canada in an attempt to convince workers that there is a link between the closure of call centres and a loss of jobs with unionization.
CEP filed an unfair labour practice complaint Tuesday on behalf of employees at Bell Mobility, which accuses the company of "unlawfully interfering and curtailing the right of employees to engage in collective bargaining".
When contacted by Cartt.ca, Bell spokesperson Julie Smithers said that the company would not comment specifically at this time on CEP’s claims, preferring to address them at the Canada Industrial Relations Board.
“Bell obviously respects the right of our team members to unionize if they choose”, she said in an emailed response. “But, it’s important to note that Bell Mobility employees already rejected unionization less than a year ago. The CEP has represented a significant number of the Bell team for decades; we always deal with union issues in a lawful and appropriate manner.”
In related news, Bell Aliant’s unionized employees in Atlantic Canada voted to accept an early collective agreement. The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Atlantic Communications Council (CEPACC) said Wednesday that 76% of its members voted in favour of the agreement, which will take effect on October 1, 2010 and will expire at the end of 2014.
CEPACC said that ratification of the tentative agreement means the company will not be pursuing a cost reduction plan which included the closure of three of the five Bell Aliant call centres in the region.
"We are extremely pleased that Bell Aliant employees in Atlantic Canada have accepted this new collective agreement, which provides a solid balance between job security and the cost containment our company needs to ensure a successful and sustainable future," said Bell Aliant president and CEO Karen Sheriff, in a statement. "The ratification of an early agreement will benefit our employees and customers – and is significant, positive news for the entire company."
– Lesley Hunter
