January 15, 2013
Media Release
EPMU will challenge Air NZ call centre outsourcing
The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union has entered into consultation with Air New Zealand over the airline’s
proposal to contract out part of its call centre work to IBM.
The proposal, which the union will be challenging, would transfer the employment of around 80 temporary staff to IBM and
affect the airline’s bookings, sales and general customer enquiry lines.
EPMU assistant director of organising Strachan Crang says the union is concerned the contracting out proposal would mean
cuts to pay and conditions.
“This is core Air New Zealand business so it’s hard to see what the case for contracting out could be other than to cut
costs. Our fear is that any cost savings from this proposal will be paid for out of our members’ pay packets.
“We’re also concerned that the company hasn’t come to us previously to look at cost savings and has instead looked to
contracting out as the first solution.”
Mr Crang says there is also concern over the future of the remaining 351 permanent positions that aren’t at this stage
affected by the proposal.
“No one at this stage can give us a guarantee that the remaining permanent positions will stay within Air New Zealand in
the future.
“The EPMU will be scrutinising this proposal carefully and where necessary we will be challenging it and proposing
alternatives.”
The deadline for feedback on the proposal is February 22.
ENDS