Steelworkers: Telus Payroll System Is an Incomprehensible Failure

BURNABY, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The United Steelworkers union (USW) Local 1944 is expressing concern over the ongoing payroll debacle at Telus, reflecting collective distress and frustration over the company's recent implementation of a new payroll system. USW Local 1944 asserts that Telus has betrayed its workforce by subjecting them to eight weeks of widespread pay chaos, reminiscent of the federal government’s “Phoenix 2.0” debacle.

“The new Telus payroll system is an incomprehensible failure that has led to severe consequences for our members and unionized employees across the country,” said Donna Hokiro, USW Local 1944 president.

“This system is just another example of the company’s reckless pursuit of cost-cutting and now our members are telling us they are being underpaid by thousands, facing uncompensated overtime, and experiencing inaccuracies in deductions. Compounding the crisis, some members are now dealing with overpayments, with Telus seeking rectification by deducting from paycheques in the critical weeks leading up to Christmas,” said Hokiro.

This situation has caused not only widespread discontent but also severe hardship among members who now find themselves auditing their own paycheques for mistakes.

“Telus appears to be oblivious to the true scope of the problem and ignoring concerns from the affected members, who are already grappling with financial challenges. The crisis threatens the very foundation of the worker-employer relationship – fair compensation for work performed,” said Hokiro.

USW Local 1944 emphasizes Telus has knowingly and shamelessly violated the terms laid out in the collective agreement regarding members’ pay.

“Despite extended patience and giving Telus ample time to rectify the issue or revert to the previous system, the company persists in abusing its management rights. Recent cuts and the offshoring of the work of thousands of Canadian workers further indicate Telus is facing a larger problem from which it cannot recover,” said Hokiro.

USW Local 1944 condemns the blatant disregard from Telus for the well-being and financial stability of hard-working employees who form the backbone of the company. USW Local 1944 stands resolute in demanding immediate action, accountability and an end to this payroll nightmare.

The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of our strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.