RE: Billyus not a typical employeeThanks for your comments TV52489, I was not implying that the only problem is the collective agreements (however, its the biggest bar none)...I agree, TELUS has many other hurdles to get over...some technical, most cultural... but I am sure that we will get through them.
I must beg to differ that Billyus is not the exeption, "most" of us really enjoy working at TELUS (We are actually in the top ten in Canada based on a recent Globe and Mail survey not to mention our own internal surveys). Its just some of the old timers who cant bear the fact that things are changing,...they are a vocal minority.
As far as the aging "skilled work force" I know there has been a lot of talk for years now about loosing valuable "skilled" employees, but its happening today (buyouts and all)and I dont see our network out of order just yet. The network has has become plug and play these days...well maybe not, but Im sure that contactors will pick up the slack if and when they get the chance like they do in the rest of the world (including AB). TELUS can no longer focus on the LD and the wireline network...those days are over.
From an investment point of view I think the main hurdle is moving from a traditional income type investment into the growth world...Timing for the move could not have been worse as we saw a melt down in tech and telecom. The typical growth investors (pension funds etc) were quick to see the change and anticipated the cut in dividend and got out...however growth investors are very edgy these days and have not yet jumped on our "Data, IP and Wireless" sales pitch of TELUS as a solid growth company...yet
But hey, I love a low stock price as long as possible...Im buying right now...what an opportunity, not to mention it keeps our stock option prices down (they are based on an average cost).
I love working at TELUS and could find 100 friends and family in a minute that would love to have the priviledge that you and I have...
Good luck
ps. Where did you get the average age at 48?