Bell Canada Follows Verizon With Fresh Workforce Reductions as Cost Pressures Mount
The wave of Bell layoffs continues as BCE Inc., the parent company of Bell Canada and Bell Media, announced another round of job cuts across its telecommunications and media divisions. The move mirrors similar actions taken by U.S. telecom giants like Verizon, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing the North American telecom industry amid rising operational costs and slowing growth.
According to a Bloomberg report published Thursday, the BCE layoffs come as part of a broader cost-reduction initiative aimed at maintaining profitability amid declining advertising revenue and subscriber stagnation in traditional media. The company did not disclose the exact number of positions eliminated in this latest round, but analysts estimate several hundred jobs have been affected across both corporate and regional units.
This latest announcement follows BCE’s February 2024 restructuring, when the company cut nearly 4,800 jobs — roughly 9% of its workforce — and sold 45 regional radio stations.
Bell Canada Layoffs Hit Telecom and Corporate Teams
Sources familiar with the restructuring told Bloomberg that the Bell Canada layoffs primarily affect the company’s telecom network and corporate support teams, as BCE seeks to streamline operations in its wireless, broadband, and customer service segments.
The decision reflects BCE’s focus on efficiency and digital transformation as competition intensifies in Canada’s telecom market, particularly from Rogers and Telus.
“The telecom industry is facing a new normal — slower growth, rising infrastructure costs, and pressure from digital competitors,” said telecom analyst David Leclerc. “The Bell layoffs are part of BCE’s ongoing strategy to reallocate resources to growth areas like 5G and AI-driven customer support.”
While BCE continues to invest heavily in 5G and fiber expansion, it is simultaneously cutting back on legacy operations that are no longer profitable.
Bell Media Layoffs Continue Amid Advertising Slump
The Bell Media layoffs have also drawn attention, with sources confirming that reductions have hit departments across news, programming, and corporate services. BCE’s media division — which includes CTV, BNN Bloomberg, and several radio stations — has struggled with declining ad revenues, as both audiences and advertisers migrate to streaming platforms.
In 2024, Bell Media had already eliminated nearly 700 jobs and discontinued several regional newscasts. The current restructuring reportedly affects another 98 positions, mostly in service and administrative departments.
A Bell Media spokesperson told Bloomberg that while job cuts are difficult, “the company must adapt to an evolving media landscape.”
Industry observers say the Bell Media layoffs highlight broader struggles in Canada’s media ecosystem, as traditional broadcasters face a shrinking ad market and increased competition from global streaming services.
BCE Faces Shareholder Pressure to Cut Costs
The BCE layoffs come amid growing pressure from shareholders to improve margins and reduce debt. BCE shares have declined nearly 12% over the past year, underperforming the broader TSX index as investors question the company’s growth prospects.
CEO Mirko Bibic has repeatedly emphasized BCE’s need to “adapt quickly and allocate resources efficiently” to remain competitive. “We must make difficult but necessary decisions to ensure Bell’s long-term sustainability,” Bibic said earlier this year.
The company’s latest restructuring mirrors Verizon’s move in the U.S., where the telecom giant also trimmed staff and reduced media spending to offset slowing wireless growth.
Employee Uncertainty and Public Backlash
The repeated Bell Canada layoffs have sparked concern among employees and unions, particularly given the scale of job losses since early 2024. Worker advocacy groups argue that BCE’s aggressive cost-cutting comes at the expense of employee well-being and service quality.
“Layoffs may improve short-term numbers, but they also erode morale and public trust,” said Joanne Wright, a representative from the Canadian Media Guild. “BCE needs a sustainable vision for its workforce, not just quarterly savings.”
The federal government has not commented directly on the latest BCE layoffs, but officials have previously expressed disappointment over Bell’s workforce reductions, especially after the company reported strong profits earlier this year.
What’s Next for BCE and Bell Media
Despite the cuts, BCE says it remains committed to expanding its fiber internet and 5G networks and enhancing digital customer experiences. The company is also expected to explore further consolidation opportunities within the Canadian media space as part of its restructuring.
Analysts predict that BCE’s transformation will continue into 2026, with a focus on automation, AI integration, and strategic partnerships in cloud communications.
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