29 August, 2016
MEDIA RELEASE
Key Chorus contractor walks away from fibre work
E tū says the decision by Downer to stop laying fibre for Chorus has exposed the poor treatment of Chorus contractors,
and will jeopardise the sustainability of the new network.
This morning, Downer has told its staff that it will not be retendering for any more work laying fibre for Chorus.
E tū’s Industry Co-ordinator, Communications, Joe Gallagher says Downer has quit “because there’s nothing in it for
them.”
He says E tū has been saying for years that Chorus wasn’t paying contractors enough to ensure a quality network, and
we’ve seen many complaints about poor quality workmanship.
“Now Downer is exiting and many smaller contractors have also quit because they can’t make money. We can’t see how
another experienced contractor can come in and deliver a quality network”, says Joe.
“Instead, we’ll see delays and more shoddy work”.
He says the profits announced today by Chorus have been earned off the backs of underpaid contractors and at the expense
of the New Zealand public.
“The fact that Chorus continues to promote and support this low-value contracting model is disgraceful”, he says.
ENDS