Alliance Party backs Telecom workers ban on broadband work

Alliance Party media release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday 13 August 2009

The Alliance Party is backing hundreds of telecom workers whose jobs and conditions are threatened through contracting out by Telecom.

The workers, who are members of the EPMU (Engineers Union), today announced an indefinite ban on broadband work following strike action earlier in the week.

Alliance Party industrial spokesperson Paul Piesse says the ban on broadband work is a fitting one, as the workers were dealing with 21st century technology but were being pushed into a 19th century employment situation.

"This situation is a good example of why Telecom should be a public service owned by all New Zealanders which operates in a responsible way towards its employees."

Mr Piesse says the action of the workers shows they are very aware of the dangers to their livelihoods through contracting out.

"They should be commended for their actions, as their battle is the battle for all workers to maintain their wages and conditions."

"The idea that these workers should somehow be their own little businesses when they are currently employees is a nonsense and is obviously a divide and rule tactic."

Mr Piesse says Telecom is an extremely profitable business and is seeking to increase its profits by exploiting their workforce through contracting out.

A recent report highlighted by the union shows the contract offered by Telecom contractor Visionstream could reduce workers income by 50 percent to 66 percent.

Mr Piesse says the Alliance is opposed to contracting out where businesses and organizations, in both the public and private sector, use this as a method of attacking wages and conditions of workers.

The EPMU will be launching a fundraising campaign next week and has set up 0900 STAND TALL for members of the public who wish to make a $10 donation to support affected workers.

ENDS

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