TelstraClear proposal endangers 120 jobs

TelstraClear admitted the move would save the company millions of dollars. Photo / Supplied

Australian owned telecommunications company TelstraClear is looking to cut 120 call centre jobs in New Zealand, moving the service to Manila in the Philippines.

The Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU) today condemned the proposal and said it believed as many as 170 jobs could be affected.

The EPMU said TelstraClear should keep the jobs in New Zraland and show commitment to local workers and customers.

TelstraClear told Fairfax media 120 jobs were under consideration, including 75 in Christchurch, but it was only a proposal at this stage.

Spokesman Chris Mirams said the proposal was about better customer service but admitted it would also save the company millions of dollars.

"We've been making the case to keep these jobs in New Zealand since last November when TelstraClear said they were conducting a feasibility study into shifting their call centres offshore. Today they told us they thought the case for going offshore stacked up," EPMU organiser John Kerr said.

"This is all about accessing so-called cheap labour overseas but comes at an enormous price for our members, many of whom are just starting out and have young families to support."

Mr Kerr said the proposal didn't even make good business sense as potential damage to TelstraClear's brand was enormous.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB