VANCOUVER -- In a move aimed at improving its efficiency and competitiveness, TELUS will consolidate customer contact centres, consolidate various operational and administrative functions and close most retail stores throughout Alberta and British Columbia. TELUS is also taking additional steps to improve its operating and productivity performance. These actions are a major component of TELUS' previously announced Operational Efficiency Program and will result in the reduction of approximately 6,000 positions in 2002 and 2003. The reductions involve approximately 5,000 bargaining unit and 1,000 management positions. Over the last 12 months since the program was initiated, TELUS has reduced its management by about 1,000 positions. Overall, for both union and management employees, this equates to a reduction of TELUS Communications' workforce by about 25 per cent since the program began. "The cost savings and efficiency gains we achieve through this program will improve future operating profitability and contribute to our goal of becoming free cash flow positive in 2003," says Darren Entwistle, TELUS president and CEO. "Our goal is not only to become more efficient in operating our business, but to become more effective in identifying, responding to and exceeding customer needs." "TELUS has not yet fully realized its required level of operating efficiency and effectiveness," says Entwistle. "The Operational Efficiency Program is a natural progression of TELUS' strategy. The need for this initiative is compounded, however, by the adverse impact of recent unfavourable regulatory decisions." "Today's announcements follow a thorough, eight-month review, auditing all business functions and processes, including benchmarking against best-in-class industry standards," says Rob Cruickshank, TELUS executive vice-president, Operational Effectiveness and Efficiency. "These operational improvements will drive TELUS toward best-in-class efficiency." Telus Corp.