Bell raises internet prices while also announcing layoffs

Bell is facing criticism for raising home internet prices for many Canadian customers while simultaneously cutting jobs. Customers report receiving notices of $6 monthly price increases, coinciding with the union representing some Bell employees announcing approximately 1,200 layoffs. While these price increase notices haven’t been independently confirmed, they align with similar hikes recently reported by Rogers customers. The timing of the price increases and layoffs has drawn criticism, with many questioning Bell’s priorities.

While increasing the costs of services, Bell is also continuing its cost-cutting exercises which it has previously blamed on among other things the CRTC’s recent decision to allow third-parties to use their fibre networks. In February 2024, Bell made staffing cuts slashing nearly 4800 workers from its ranks.

Unifor, the union representing many Bell employees, criticized Bell’s workforce reduction plans, calling them a “damaging stunt” to artificially inflate profits at the expense of workers. Unifor President Lana Payne stated that Bell cannot continue cutting jobs annually and expect positive results. She also suggested that Bell’s job cuts are partly motivated by its expansion into the American market, which is particularly concerning given the potential for a trade war with the U.S.