Bell Canada has announced a reduction of around 690 employees, primarily managers, as part of its efforts to lower debt and foster growth. These job cuts come after a substantial number of layoffs within the company last year.
The latest move by Bell involves eliminating approximately 650 non-unionized managerial positions nationwide, accounting for less than two percent of its total workforce. Additionally, the telecommunications giant is also slashing about 40 roles at Bell Media, its media and entertainment arm.
In a statement to CBC News via email, Bell stated that the decision to reduce managerial positions was challenging but necessary to support the company’s three-year strategic plan for sustainable growth. While specifics were not provided regarding the Bell Media layoffs, the company expressed gratitude to the affected employees for their dedication and contributions.
Earlier in the year, Bell offered severance packages to 1,200 unionized workers, citing unprecedented challenges in the telecommunications sector. The Canadian telecom industry has experienced a growth slowdown in recent times, prompting key players like BCE and Rogers to divest assets in a bid to trim expenses.
Notably, Bell divested its 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) to Rogers for $4.7 billion in September last year. Subsequently, the company revealed plans to acquire U.S. telecom firm Ziply for $5 billion. Over the past year and a half, Bell has implemented extensive job cuts, including 1,300 layoffs in June 2023 and a significant reduction of 4,800 employees announced in February 2024, alongside the closure of several radio stations and targeted layoffs affecting technical staff in June of the same year.