Telco workers take lightning strike action

August 5, 2009
Media Release

Telco workers take lightning strike action

More than a hundred telecommunications engineers in Auckland’s North Shore have started lightning strike action to protest moves by Telecom to force them into becoming dependent contractors – a situation that would dramatically decrease their incomes.

The workers are responsible for the North Shore’s phone, internet and eftpos provision and say they will strike until Telecom fronts up to them.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the strike action is part of an ongoing national campaign and Telecom can expect more over the next few weeks.

“Our members have had a gutsful of Telecom and its contractors attacking their terms and conditions and are determined to fight back with sporadic strike action around the country over the next few weeks.

“For members in Auckland and Northland the fight is particularly urgent because they’ve been told they’ll be redundant by Telecom contractors Transfield and Downer EDI and picked up as dependent contractors by another Telecom contractor, Visionstream.

“The dependent contracting model represents a serious threat to our members’ incomes and their income security and they are determined to refuse to transfer to Visionstream until they have a proper employment offer.

“It’s time for Telecom to front up and work with union members to develop long-term and stable employment to ensure a stable future for the telco industry and the New Zealand network.

“We understand that this campaign may result in disruption for members of the public but we have committed to working with Telecom’s contractors to ensure emergency services are not affected.”

Today’s action follows a two-day strike by Downer EDI telco workers in Northland on Monday and Tuesday and national strike action by Transfield workers a week and a half ago.

ENDS

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