News

Click here to send a message to Telecom NZ's CEO.



As we have reported in recent articles, Telecom NZ has let a contract for network maintenance to an Australian company, Visionstream.



Visionstream plans to operate on a "dependent contractor" model. This means that the company does not employ its staff, but forces them to operate as "contractors". Visionstream’s "dependent contractors" have to buy 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. This could cost workers 50-66% of their pay.



UNI global union wrote to Telecom NZ, Visionstream and the parent company of Visionstream, Leighton Holdings, demanding that they own up to their responsibilities as employers (see our letters attached here under "related files"). These arrangements put at risk the working conditions of hundreds of indirectly employed Telecom NZ workers, including engineers, administration staff and call centre workers. By doing so, these arrangements also put at risk the well-being of the families of those workers and the communities in which they live, as well as the quality of services provided to Telecom NZ clients.



It is not acceptable for Telecom NZ and Visionstream to force working people in New Zealand to subsidise their costs of doing business by denying their fundamental responsibilities. Visionstream should engage its staff as employees, like other responsible employers do.



To send your own message to Telecom NZ's CEO - click here.