UMVA has learned that BCE Inc., the parent company of Bell Canada, is slashing over 700 jobs as part of a major restructuring effort that began last year.
The cuts, which total 690, affect about 1% of BCE's total workforce, with approximately 230 unionized roles being eliminated. Those employees will be offered voluntary separation packages, while non-unionized staff will be let go.
Bell Canada confirmed that the layoffs are part of a broader strategy to "better align the team structure with our strategy" and drive business growth. This includes migrating customers to a more resilient fibre network and implementing ongoing operating efficiencies.
The job cuts are a continuation of BCE's efforts to reduce costs and drive sustainable growth. Last year, the company unveiled a three-year strategic plan aimed at saving $1.5 billion in costs through company-wide transformation and operational efficiencies.
Despite the layoffs, BCE emphasized that it will continue to invest in key areas that drive business growth, creating hundreds of new jobs across Canada. However, the latest round of cuts comes on the heels of a similar layoff in November, which saw 690 jobs eliminated.
The November layoffs affected 650 non-unionized managerial roles and 40 jobs at Bell Media, representing less than 2% of Bell's total workforce. Monday's layoffs did not impact Bell Media, but still leave many employees reeling.
This is not the first time BCE has made significant job cuts. In 2024, the company slashed 9% of its workforce, affecting around 4,800 jobs, and ended many television newscasts. Further cuts in June 2023 eliminated around 1,300 positions.
In a separate incident, BCE also took action against employees who abused the company's attendance policy. A handful of workers were terminated for "deliberate and repeated falsification of workplace attendance," including "swipe and go" tactics.
BCE confirmed that these terminations followed thorough investigations and clear evidence of misconduct. The company emphasized that it takes such cases seriously, with the majority of individuals admitting to the wrongdoing.
