Unifor and Bell Canada reach tentative agreement for clerical unit

TORONTO, Jan 24, 2018 /CNW/ - Unifor the union representing almost 5000 clerical workers at Bell Canada in Ontario and Quebec has reached a tentative agreement.

"In this round of negotiations, members united to tell Bell that it was time to start rebuilding respectful relationships and stop the erosion of good union jobs," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "I'm proud of the skill shown by the entire bargaining committee, and the solidarity of members across Ontario and Quebec."

This was the first set of negotiations between clerical workers represented by the union and Bell Canada since Unifor's founding in 2013. The tentative agreement is recommended for adoption by the bargaining team. With a tentative deal being reached between the union and the employer, Unifor members will now have the opportunity to vote on the terms of the contract.  Membership meetings and ratification votes will be scheduled in the coming weeks. 

"When we started these negotiations, the employer offered proposals that would have continued to worsen clerical workers' experiences on the job. Through the strength of member mobilizations and a united Unifor bargaining team, a fair agreement was reached to defend thousands of unionized jobs at Bell Canada," said Renaud Gagne, Unifor Quebec Director.

The Bell clerical workers are represented in Quebec by Unifor Locals 6000, 6001, 6002 and 6003, and in Ontario by Unifor Locals 6004, 6005, 6006, 6007, 6008 and 37. All locals were represented in the bargaining caucus.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 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.

SOURCE Unifor