If operators sign by June 30th. to "voluntarily" leave Bell they will receive a full package. Bell is downsizing its operator services from 2,500 operators to 1,000 operators and yet they still use the term "voluntary." The operator services office in Belleville is scheduled to close December 31, 1999. Operators in the offices that are closing can transfer to either Toronto, Ottawa, Sudbury or Kingston. The Kingston office is only a temporary office. Operators in offices that are closing do not have bumping rights into the remaining offices. Bell has the right to close any office remaining open if the number of operators in that office drops below 50.
If you are an operator and you have questions - keep asking your Bell manager. This is Bell's deal, Bell's offer - they should have the answers.
Increased Stress Level for operators
Operators now face daily decisions on what their future holds. They face upcoming job lose, relocation, uncertainty in their future. Seniority in the Belleville office ranges from 4 years to 32 years. Operators have been the front-line workers for Bell Canada, they have been the "central", "the voice with the smile", "the weavers of speech" and now these front-line workers face extinction.
Nordia on line
Bell's new operator services company, with it's American partner, is up and running. If you dial directory assistance and encounter problems - "welcome to the Americanization" of our telecommunications.
