BURNABY, B.C. – Telus and the Telecommunications Workers Union have received a letter from Minister of Labour and Housing Joe Fontana offering mediation for their long-running dispute.
"We are encouraged by this move by the government," said Telecommunications Workers Union president Bruce Bell in a press release.
"According to the Minister, under the terms of this initiative both parties will have a role in selecting someone with real expertise to listen to our issues. This person will also have the Minister’s ear. That’s invaluable," added Bell. "In addition, both sides will be able to shape the process and to lay out their concerns. But it is essential for the special mediator to be selected in an expedited manner," he added.
So far, Telus has not responded to the offer of a mediator.
Telus and its B.C. employees have been at a stalemate for over four years as its workers continue to work without a contract. While Telus has taken preliminary steps of late which look like it’s preparing to lock the workers out, the TWU workers have been working to rule.
