The Telecommunications Workers Union (TWU), which represents workers for Telus and Shaw across Canada, announced its opposition August 14 to what it says is preferential treatment for Verizon Communications Inc. in its entry into the Canadian marketplace.
Telus, Rogers Communications and Bell have also spoken out against the possibility of Verizon entering the market in Canada. They launched a petition earlier this month addressed to Minister of Industry James Moore asking that foreign entrants be required to build their own networks, rather than "piggybacking" on the infrastructure built by Canadian telecoms.
In addition, these telecoms have voiced opposition to the fact that Verizon will have more access to the wireless spectrum than they will, due to what they say is a loophole allowing foreign companies to take advantage of rules originally intended to allow smaller telecom companies to compete effectively.
"Our members have built a national network from coast to coast and they work hard every day to provide Canadians across this country with quality service," said TWU national president Lee Riggs.
"Verizon is not some little startup. It is more than three times the size of Telus, Rogers and Bell combined, but for some reason the Harper government still wants to give it a free ride."
The TWU represents 12,800 workers across the country.
