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NorthwesTel cutting 29 jobs Telecommunications company cites need to 'optimize its operations'Galit Rodan Northern News Services Published Friday, November 25, 2011
The press release stated the company - which does business in northern B.C., the Yukon, the NWT and Nunavut - had redistributed job functions in an attempt to "optimize its operations" and better position itself for the future, taking into account "changes in our industry, the competitive landscape and the global economy." NorthwesTel spokesperson Emily Younker said the decision was tough but necessary. Unionized workers with 30 years of pensionable service were offered a retirement incentive which the company said will "minimize the impact" of the job losses. Service to customers will not be affected, said Younker. Younker said the job eliminations were an internal matter and, in order to respect employees' privacy, NorthwesTel would not answer any questions related to the press release or offer any other statements. Where the affected employees reside was not released. Meanwhile, NorthwesTel, a subsidiary of Bell Canada, is awaiting a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission on whether it can impose a monthly $2 rate increase on residential and business telephone service. If approved, the change would take effect Jan. 1. NorthwesTel's operating income, as of December 2009, was $63,458,000. The union representing NorthwesTel employees, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 1574, did not return phone calls by press time.
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