The local has been made aware of yet another example of Bell/BTS violating the Tripartite Agreement.

On a recent conference call with the Labour Relations Committee, the company announced that both BTS and Bell Craft would no longer be doing any pay phone (coin) installation or repair services as of May 23 or June 1, dependant on geographical locations. This work is being given to contractors – work that we have been doing since before 2005.

The bargaining unit is currently short on work and the majority of RPT’s in the province are not working 40 hours a week.

Clearly this is another violation of the signed agreement.

“Whereas, for the duration of this Agreement, Bell Canada has no intention to use contractors in regards to the work performed by Bell Technical Solutions in accordance to this agreement,”

“2. Bell Canada undertakes to give to its own employees who are members of the Craft and Services Employees bargaining unit, and/or to employees who are members of the BTS Craft Employees bargaining units, all the work defined in the Memorandum of Agreement – Jurisdiction of work, copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix B. More specifically, it is understood and agreed that the work performed by BTS on April 30, 2005 will continue to be performed by BTS.”

“9. This Agreement is made for the benefit of CEP and its members included in the BTS Craft Employees bargaining units for the duration of this agreement,”

The approximate 1200 contractors already hired to do structure cabling / fiber work, along with the current removal of a long standing job function is just another slap in the face and a disregard to the members.

This further violation needs to be included in our submission/statement of claim to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario. The Local has advised Unifor Legal and Unifor National Officers of our position.

In Solidarity,

Sam Snyders

President, Local 1996-O