Representing 1,300 Manitoba Workers

MTS Does it Again

MTS Media sold - but workers will keep their union contract.

CEP Local 7 is deeply concerned for the 75 workers it represents at MTS Media, which publishes Manitoba's white and yellow page directories. MTS Allstream has announced the sale of MTS Media to Montreal-based Yellow Pages Group Co.

"This latest sale of a profitable portion of MTS is another example of how the privatization of MTS in the 1990s has steadily eroded the company within Manitoba," said Wendy Sol, CEP Western Region Administrative Vice President. "How many other good jobs is MTS willing to export to other provinces or even other countries?"

The CEP members will be severed from MTS and the opportunities and benefits that are associated with having a strong collective agreement with MTS. Many of the members have 20 years of service or more. However, MTS has told affected employees that all the jobs at the unit that has been sold will remain within Manitoba.

The sale officially closes in October. CEP will continue to represent the members at their new home with the current union contract, which doesn't expire until December 2007. CEP will work diligently to ensure its members' rights are protected and that the transition period to the new owners is as smooth as possible, said Sol.