March 27, 2020

OTTAWA – Unifor members at Bell Canada step up as shutdowns in offshore facilities combined with increased need for assistance cause a spike in calls to customer support agents.

“As millions of Canadians face sudden loss of income, Bell Canada has avoided layoffs and increased employment by bringing customer service calls back to Canada,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Unifor members across the country are stepping into new roles and taking customer service calls, keeping Canadians connected.”

Several overseas call centres are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing customer service calls back to Canada. Since the closure of international call centres, Unifor members in several different certifications have retrained to take customer service calls at home.

“Unifor members are ready to serve business and residential clients through the crisis and in the future,” said Renaud Gagné, Unifor Quebec Director. “Telecom workers right here in Canada are more than capable of delivering the service that Bell customers expect when they need assistance.”

The union remains in constant communication with Bell Canada and all telecommunications employers on solutions to decrease risk and secure safe working conditions for members across the industry during the pandemic.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector and represents 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

Information about the union’s response to the pandemic, as well as resources for members can be found at unifor.org/COVID19.