TWU Reject Tentative Agreement, No End in Sight

[telusmod]

The TWU members have voted to reject the negotiated memorandum of agreement recommended by the TWU leadership.

"The fact that the ratification process has failed to bring a positive conclusion to our labour disruption can only be described as very disappointing. The negotiated agreement recommended by the union leadership makes our unionized team members the best paid telecommunications employees in Canada and provides them with guaranteed, best in class employment security," said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS Corporation. "TELUS, our managers and the 6,000 unionized team members in Alberta and Central and Eastern Canada who have continued working will now return the entirety of our focus to our alternative operations plan, and the significant progress we are
making toward delivering service excellence to our customers. I want to express my sincere appreciation to our working team members and our customers for their ongoing support during this challenging period."

TWU members walked off the job July 21 to prevent Telus from unilaterally imposing its version of a collective agreement. Over the ensuing weeks, the union has maintained picket lines throughout Alberta and British Columbia. Throughout this period, TWU members have enjoyed unprecedented support from other unions as well as members of the general public on picket lines and at public rallies.

"A huge thank you goes to the rest of the labour movement in BC and Alberta, across Canada and around the world that has provided us with tremendous support throughout this struggle. Given our members' decision, however, we will be requesting their continued support and solidarity to see us through to a successful resolution of the dispute," B a TWU spokesman said.

There are no plans to return to the bargaining table following this development. Further developments related to TELUS' labour disruption will be communicated as appropriate.

[ruby]

Bruce Bell, president of the TWU met Tuesday night with executive members of TELUS in an attempt to get the company back to the bargaining table.

"We are anxious to see a resolution to this dispute," Bell said. "That's why we are trying to get the company back to the bargaining table. Ultimately, there has to be a resolution and people have to get back to work," he explained. "The sooner that happens, the better." The union is now awaiting a response from TELUS. In order to keep all of its options open, however, TWU is simultaneously planning a range of actions in the event that there is no response from the company, or if the response is negative. Apparently they already have enlisted 'other actions' blocking Calgary Transit buses from leaving stations if they had Telus ads. Great way to get the public on your side.....