Latest News

Telus payroll system is an incomprehensible failure

November 29, 2023

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.

Join our newsletter

Media Contact

Donna Hokiro
USW Local 1944 president
780-499-9994
donna.hokiro@usw1944.ca

Jayson Little
USW staff representative
778-837-3584
jlittle@usw.ca

Brett Barden
USW communications
604-445-6956
bbarden@usw.ca

Recent news

A person pumping its fist during a picket line. People holding signs appear in the background of the photo. There text saying: 2024 Labour Day Statement.

Labour’s Day: Celebrating our wins for workers

August 30, 2024 | Statements

USW 2024 Labour Day statement Labour Day is a statutory holiday where we celebrate workers and labour movement victories that benefit all of us. Like most of the benefits we enjoy – and, let’s face it, sometimes take for granted – workers had to fight for it.   It’s our local leaders and members on the […]

Read More
Click to read the article about Labour’s Day: Celebrating our wins for workers
A photo of person wearing blue jumpsuit and a white helmet, operating a machine in a steel factory. There is a text under the photo saying: United Steelworkers applauds new tariffs on steel, aluminum and electric vehicles from China.

Tariffs on aluminum, steel and electric vehicle imports from China good for Canadian jobs

August 26, 2024 | Media Releases

TORONTO – The United Steelworkers union (USW) is lauding an announcement by the federal government this morning to impose tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum and electric vehicles from China, in a move to reinforce domestic industry and stem the tide of unfair trade. “We are pleased to see the federal government taking a more […]

Read More
Click to read the article about Tariffs on aluminum, steel and electric vehicle imports from China good for Canadian jobs
Image for U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to double duties on Canadian softwood lumber is pure protectionism

U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to double duties on Canadian softwood lumber is pure protectionism

August 17, 2024 | Media Releases

The United Steelworkers union (USW) is calling out the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to double duties on Canadian softwood lumber. “The decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to almost double the current duties and tariffs of Canadian Softwood Lumber products is nothing more than pure U.S. protectionism,” said Jeff Bromley, USW Wood Council […]

Read More
Click to read the article about U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to double duties on Canadian softwood lumber is pure protectionism