Telenor downsizing – cuts 100 man-years – E24

Telenor Norge is making changes in three divisions, which is leading to downsizing. More than 100 employees are being cut, the company says.

– Our surroundings are changing greatly, digitization is accelerating and opening up new opportunities. To meet our customers’ needs, we must digitize and explore new ways of working, says CEO of Telenor Norway, Birgitte Engebretsen.

The new changes introduced from 1 May lead to organizational changes, the elimination of roles and the elimination of manual tasks.

In addition, Telenor will implement a cut in the number of temporary workers and consultants.

This means, among other things, that the company’s customer center in Rørvik with 35 will be discontinued, according to the press release.

– Hair raising

Chief shop steward for EL and IT in Telenor Norway, Kenneth Pettersen reacts to the news.

– It is hair-raising that once again they choose to centralize and close down an entire department in Rørvik north of Trøndelag, says Kenneth Pettersen, chief shop steward for EL and IT in Telenor Norway, to E24.

He describes the downsizing as dramatic.

– We also fear that this could lead to the closure of the rest of the location in the long term, writes Pettersen in a press release.

He goes on to say that the trade union EL and IT in Telenor Norway believes it is “unreasonable for the mostly state-owned company to fire permanent employees when you have so many hired in the company”.

– The cost cuts should rather start with clearing up these conditions in the divisions that have the most hires.

The trade union states in the press release that they are also concerned that Telenor is focusing on cost cutting through downsizing, instead of investing in the employees’ skills. According to the union, this can go beyond customer care and earnings in the long term.

– Heavy message to receive

Engebretsen says Telenor is keen to carry out the changes in a good and orderly manner, and ensure good care for those affected by the downsizing.

– This is a difficult message to receive, and we are doing what we can to help affected employees to find other work. Permanent employees who are affected by staffing reductions will be offered a final agreement with adjustment assistance, she says.

Telenor has two departments in Rørvik, a customer center and other administrative activities. It is stated that only the customer center is affected by the downsizing.

Telenor Norge has approximately 3,200 employees spread over 22 different offices around Norway, according to its own websites.