May 4, 2007
Media Release

Broadband workers picket Telecom

Workers at Telecom subcontractor Systemtech have begun a 24 hour strike action over poor pay and conditions and will be protesting outside Telecom’s Christchurch headquarters from 12pm today.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union members are currently paid between two and five dollars an hour less than the industry standard for broadband and phone installation.

EPMU organiser Kelvin Ellis says the workers are picketing Telecom because the telecommunications giant is ultimately responsible for their poor wages.

“For years Telecom has used a model of competitive contracting to squeeze every last dollar out of the business. Systemtech can’t pay more until Telecom pays more so we’re taking our protest to the source.

“These workers are vital to the telecommunications industry and retaining their skills is crucial to New Zealand’s broadband infrastructure, but at the same time Telecom is paying its shareholders 1.1 billion dollars it’s refusing to put money into skilled workers.

“If New Zealand’s communications infrastructure is going to catch up with the rest of the world we’re going to have to start by making sure the frontline staff responsible for making it work are paid a decent rate and Systemtech is a good place to start.”

The EPMU represents 5000 workers in the electrical and telecommunications industry.

ENDS

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