News

Lines workers at telecommunications maintenance company Downers have voted unanimously to reject the company’s latest offer, following a series of nationwide report back meetings.

The offer was not recommended by the EPMU, UNI's affiliate in New Zealand, as it failed to meet industry standards, but Downers have indicated they cannot go any higher without their main client Telecom freeing up more money for wages.

EPMU organiser Kelvin Ellis says the unanimous rejection from members is a sign of their frustration. “The sense we’re getting around the country is that these guys are angry that after all this time they’re still not seeing an offer anything like the industry standard.”

“We’ve asked the company to attend mediation following the vote, and if we can’t make any progress there it’s likely the next call will be for some kind of industrial action.

“This is exactly what Telecom doesn’t need at the moment but if they are unwilling to provide the money that is needed to properly staff their broadband roll-out then they should expect to deal with the consequences.”

Downers workers are currently working to capacity in order to meet the roll-out dates for Telecom’s broadband internet pledges.