Members of Parliament have taken a significant step by issuing a summons to Mirko Bibic, the CEO of Bell, demanding his in-person attendance to discuss the telecom’s decision to cut thousands of jobs nationwide.
Initially invited to testify before the Canadian Heritage committee on two separate occasions—February 29 and March 19—Bibic and a few other executives were unable to attend, say MPs.
The decision to summon Bibic’s testimony came during a private committee meeting last week, setting April 11 as the date for his appearance. This move follows the procedure that allows a committee to summon a witness if they decline an initial invitation, reports the Globe and Mail.
The layoffs, described by NDP Niki Ashton as Bell’s “largest layoff in 30 years,” have sparked controversy and demand for explanations from the company’s leadership. “Bell’s parent company BCE Inc. enacted its largest layoff in 30 years and haven’t even bothered showing up to explain to Canadians why,” Ashton stated, expressing frustration over the executives’ failure to attend previous committee meetings.
The circumstances surrounding the summons are marked by claims of prior commitments and scheduling conflicts, with a spokesperson for Bibic saying that the CEO had agreed to a March appearance before it was postponed by the committee’s clerk, who has yet to confirm this detail.
Ashton’s March 19 letter to Bibic voiced concerns over repeated requests to postpone the committee appearance. Highlighting the urgency and importance of the matter, Ashton remarked, “Perhaps if any of the 4,800 employees you fired still had their job, you’d have less on your plate.”
The job cuts announced by Bell in February, leading to a reduction of 4,800 jobs, including the termination of many TV newscasts and the sale of 45 out of 103 radio stations, have drawn criticism and calls for accountability.
Bell blamed the federal government and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission for delayed relief measures to media companies in distress. They said it was the federal government’s decisions that resulted in these job cuts.
“The CEO will appear before the committee in April and is looking forward to the discussion,” said Bibic’s spokesperson. Literally, the government is saying, “Bell, let’s talk.”
It’s unclear how the federal government and MPs can force Bell’s hand to reverse its decision to cut thousands of jobs. But it sure does put on a good show to make it appear government really cares for the people who lose their jobs.
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Good, fine them billions. The more the merrier.
Fine them billions and they raise everyone’s fees to pay for it and to make sure they receive their bonus’s…. Of course laying off more people to ensure they receive those bonus’s.
A never ending cycle of these large corporations only caring about those on top and the users losing.
At the same time they shouldnt keep job just for the sake of it, alot are redundant roles.
It’s okay, when push comes to shove, the corps that care about their employees will be all that’s left – one day.
Not soon. But one day.
Hmm for what exactly?
Their business is down 23%…
Their business is down? Cry me a river!
They charge consumers enough. maybe their CEO and shareholders should get paid less. Oh wait, that will never happen because they’re in bed with this govt and CRTC.
Coruption is wonderful when money changes hands.
Well the shareholders have seen a 32% decline in the stock this year alone. So yes, the shareholders are crying you a river with tears.
Good.
Just to add to that, Bell awarded CEO Mirko Bibic a compensation package totaling $13.43 million in the past year, despite the company not meeting its 2023 financial targets. Want to justify that too?
Eagerly awaiting more than the cricket response.
WOW! Never seen a Bell corporate shill out in the wild!
Let’s dumb this down for you.
Shareholders don’t like when you screw their interests over… Although I don’t really care what shareholders do or don’t like.
Go lick Mirko’s taint if you want to help him out, he’s about to get fined and then most likely fired for his childish antics.
Well sorry I choose not to loose all the profits… Business is down it makes sense to cut staff.