Telus offered voluntary severance packages to approximately 700 employees across Canada on January 9, 2026.
Who’s affected:
- Over 500 unionized workers (United Steelworkers Local 1944)
- Technicians and installers
- Call-centre agents
- Business operations staff
- Employees in BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec
Deadline: January 21, 2026 (less than 2 weeks to decide)
This Isn't New: Pattern of Cuts
Telus has been cutting jobs for years:
- 2023: Announced 6,000 job cuts
- 2024: Eliminated 3,300 net jobs (10% of workforce)
- February 2025: Offered 700 buyouts; 571 employees accepted
- January 2026: Another 700 buyout offers
Total: Nearly 1,400 buyout offers in one year alone.
Michael Phillips, union president, said Telus has offered buyouts to “virtually all” of the 4,000 union members at some point, with about 5% leaving each round.
This Isn't New: Pattern of Cuts
Union leaders say if Telus doesn’t get enough voluntary acceptances, forced layoffs will come next.
Brian Leclerc, SAMT 5144 president: “Let’s not be naive. We’ve seen this before. These buyouts are the first step. If Telus doesn’t reach its quota, the next round will be forced layoffs.”
Why Is This Happening?
Telus blames “rapid transformation” and “customer demand for self-serve solutions.”
Translation: They’re replacing people with automation.
The problem: Customer complaints to telecom regulators jumped 62% in 2025. Union president Phillips noted: “Canadians aren’t happy with service quality now, and Telus cutting jobs won’t help.”
Your Rights as a Telus Employee
Telus is federally regulated, so you’re covered by the Canada Labour Code, not provincial employment standards.
What You're Entitled To
Federal Minimums:
- Severance pay if you’ve worked 12+ consecutive months
- Notice periods based on length of service
Common Law Entitlements (What You Actually Deserve): Much more than minimums—typically 3-24 months of compensation based on:
- Your age
- Years at Telus
- Your position and salary
- Job market conditions
Example: A 45-year-old technician with 10 years at Telus earning $80,000/year could be owed 12-18 months’ severance under common law—not just federal minimums.
Don't Sign Without Legal Advice
Telus is giving you less than 2 weeks to decide. This pressure tactic discourages getting independent advice.
Critical: Once you sign, you lose the right to negotiate or challenge the offer.
What Should Be Included
Your package should have:
- Severance pay for notice period
- Unused vacation pay
- Benefits continuation
- Outstanding bonuses/commissions
- Clear calculation of amounts
Is This Really "Voluntary"?
Some “voluntary” buyouts are actually constructive dismissals.
Warning signs:
- Accept or face relocation/demotion
- Work environment becomes unbearable
- Impossible conditions to stay employed
If pressured, consult a lawyer—you may have a constructive dismissal claim for more money.
What to Do Right Now
1. Don’t sign immediately Take time to understand what you’re owed.
2. Gather documents:
- Employment contract
- Service records
- Compensation details
- Performance reviews
3. Calculate your real entitlement Don’t accept the first offer blindly.
4. Contact an employment lawyer Free consultations, often work on contingency.
Government Money vs. Job Cuts
The irony: Telus received $53.5 million in federal subsidies in 2023 to support economic development.
Union president Luc Pouliot: “Our money shouldn’t be used to move our jobs elsewhere or make Quebec expertise vanish.”
Despite public funding, Telus continues cutting Canadian jobs while service quality drops.
What Happens If You Accept
- Employment ends
- You get the severance offered
- You sign a release waiving future claims
- Your ROE shows reason for separation
Before accepting, have a lawyer review:
- Is the amount fair?
- What are you giving up?
- Tax implications?
- Can you negotiate better?
What Happens If You Decline
- You stay employed (for now)
- Risk of forced layoff later
- Possible pressure to relocate or change roles
Important: Declining doesn’t kill your severance rights. If terminated later, you’re still entitled to proper compensation.
Three key points:
- “Voluntary” doesn’t mean fair – Telus says packages exceed legal minimums, but you likely deserve more under common law
- The 2-week deadline is pressure – Don’t rush; get legal advice first
- Lawyers often double or triple initial offers – Don’t leave money on the table
