June 25, 2009

Media Release

Chorus changes cause serious concern - EPMU

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union has serious concerns about the decision to shift work done by Telecom’s Chorus division in Auckland and Northland to Visionstream – a move that will affect around 400 EPMU members.

EPMU members at the current Chorus contractors, Transfield and Downer EDI, and their union officials met with the telecommunications firms today to discuss the loss of the contracts.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little says the move risks destabilising the industry.

“Our concern is that Telecom’s contracting model undermines stability in the telecommunications industry by forcing this kind of huge shift in its workforce.

“There’s still a serious skills shortage in this industry and any new contractor wouldn’t be able to do this work without hundreds of workers crossing over from their current employers.

“That could mean a serious disruption and loss of skills as workers take the opportunity to leave the industry or head overseas for more stable and secure work and that’s not something New Zealand can afford to have happen to an industry supplying vital infrastructure.

“We also have concerns about the employment model Visionstream is likely to implement but until they announce the details of it we’ll be focusing on finding out more about the changes and working on getting the best employment conditions for members that we can.

“We’ll also be meeting with our members over the next two weeks to consult with them on the next steps to take.”

The EPMU represents 45,000 working New Zealanders including more than 1300 in the telecommunications industry.

ENDS

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