Telco training critical, says union

21 June, 2011

News Release

Telco training critical, says union

The government urgently needs a plan for telecommunications training and keeping relevant skills in New Zealand, says the union representing telco workers.

The EPMU, the country’s largest private sector union, is concerned that without an adequate supply of trained workers Telecom through its maintenance arm Chorus will recruit cheap, foreign labour to build its planned fibre optic networks. Chorus has won the first contracts to build the networks.

Industry training standards body ETITO has questioned the country’s supply of skilled workers to service and maintain the Government’s planned fibre optic networks. It says that industry needs to think about training people now rather than waiting until they are needed.

‘This kind of project is a great opportunity to create jobs for New Zealand workers and invest in our local skills base,’ says EPMU national secretary Andrew Little. ‘Any sensible government would want to make sure that this expertise stays in New Zealand.’

Chorus has already contracted out much of its network build and maintenance services to Downer, Transfield and Visionstream, who have in turn created their own independent contractor networks.

‘In Auckland and Northland, Visionstream has the contract, and they use dependent contractors who don’t have time to train anyone,’ says EPMU national industry organiser Joe Gallagher. ‘If trained workers aren’t available, you can bet Visionstream will bring in overseas labour to do the work.’

The Government’s deal with Telecom will see the rollout of Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) in Auckland, the eastern and lower North Island and most of the South Island in return for a Government contribution of $1.3 billion. Telecom is also a major beneficiary in the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) which is rolling out much faster broadband to rural communities.

ENDS

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