18 November 2015

Introduction of third contractor shows massive failings of Chorus - union

The union for telco workers, E tū, is very disappointed to learn that Chorus has chosen to introduce a third contractor, Visionstream, to the fibre rollout.

Continued pressure on contractors from Chorus has seen cost-cutting measures and restructuring across telco infrastructure projects nationwide.

E tū Communications Industry Coordinator Joe Gallagher said that this bad news in an industry already facing significant pressure.

“Some of our workers are working excessive hours, 156 a fortnight in one case,” Mr Gallagher said. “We are deeply concerned about the health and safety risks that these kinds of workloads can result in, in relation to fatigue.

“Now Visionstream are coming in, who will bring in offshore workers to undercut New Zealanders.”

Mr Gallagher said that Chorus and contractors were forced into cost-cutting measures like this because of underfunding from the National Government.

“This has been an issue with copper maintenance and now it continues to be an issue with the fibre rollout. The Government simply haven’t put enough money into this vital piece of infrastructure.

“This cost pressure gets transferred from Chorus to the contractors, resulting in dangerous work conditions, and ultimately hits the consumer when the service is substandard.”

ENDS

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