Hundreds of workers take action across New Zealand

Hundreds of workers throughout New Zealand are taking action and building momentum in their struggle against the Telecom NZ's decision to outsource its network maintenance to Visionstream.

VisionStream is an Australian company which operates on a “dependent contractor” model. This means that the company does not employ its staff, but forces them to operate as “contractors”. VisionStream requires staff to purchase their own equipment and transport vehicles, to pay for their own holiday and sick leave entitlements and to accept all of the other financial obligations associated with their own employment.

Engineers with the EPMU took action a few weeks ago in various cities and towns on both islands. National strike action started two days ago and is continuing, while stop-work and various other activities are planned in the coming weeks.

Australian unions the CEPU and ETU are lending their support, as well as UNI and its affiliates around the world, who refuse to accept that Telecom NZ and VisionStream deny their fundamental responsibilities as employers by putting the working conditions of Telecom NZ’s workers at risk.

These companies are threatening the well-being of hundreds of engineers, administration staff and call centre workers working for Telecom NZ and their families, as well as the quality of services provided to its clients.

You can find out more about the union's activities at their website: http://www.epmu.org.nz