April 10, 2024

 

Unifor is holding BCE Directors accountable with the unveiling of the “Meet the Board” component of its ‘Shame on Bell’ campaign, aimed at shedding light on the corporate figures behind Bell’s recent wave of job cuts.

Expanding upon the impactful launch of our campaign website, media conference, and rally in Ottawa last month, Unifor continues to demand transparency and responsibility from the telecommunications and media giant.

The “Meet the Board” page on the ‘Shame on Bell’ campaign site provides information on the select group of corporate elites who signed off on the elimination of thousands of jobs while continuing to increase dividend payouts to shareholders.

“The Bell Board comprises not just individuals, but a tightly interconnected network of corporate elites, often intertwined through shared circles and interests,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “It’s time to put faces to the decisions made by corporations that demonstrate so little regard for their workers.”

Visit the “Meet the Board” page here.

Following Unifor’s public actions, the House of Commons Heritage Committee summoned Bell executives to testify on Thursday, April 11. Read Unifor’s letter to MPs on the Heritage Committee here. 

“In their pursuit of profit, the Bell Board has shown a callous disregard for the livelihoods of hardworking employees. We refuse to let their actions go unnoticed. The ‘Meet the Board’ campaign is a necessary step towards accountability, exposing the faces behind these decisions,” said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier.

In response to mounting pressure, Bell has initiated damage control measures, reaching out to Unifor members with emails regarding the job cuts and asserting support for affected employees. However, Bell’s subsequent dissemination of a ‘fact’ sheet attempting to rationalize the largest layoff in three decades falls short of addressing the core concerns.

No amount of public relations maneuvering can justify the slashing of over 6,000 jobs, particularly when the Bell Board continues to prioritize dividends, share buybacks, and self-enrichment over the well-being of its workforce.

“Make no mistake, this is just the beginning. We will continue to shine a spotlight on the actions of these board members and top Bell executives,” emphasized Len Poirier, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer. “Our resolve will not waver; it will only grow stronger as we seek justice and fairness for all workers impacted by this egregious display of corporate greed.”

Unifor urges its members and the public to send a letter to the members of the Bell Board on our campaign website and to amplify the message across social media using the ‘Meet the Board’ sharables.