Power line engineers to take industrial action

Auckland-based power line engineers have issued a work to rule notice, after contracts talks reached an impasse.

The action by 80 workers employed by Electrix, the contracting company for the Vector network in Auckland is set to begin on June 1 and includes a ban on overtime, callout and standby arrangements.

Joe Gallagher, EPMU national industry organiser for the electrical sector, said it would mean if a power pole was knocked down outside office hours it would not be repaired unless it was urgent such as a hospital or medical facility.

"We're taking this action as a last resort after the new employer tried to drive down terms and conditions in our industry.

"That's unacceptable to our members and would further widen the gap between comparable workers in New Zealand and Australia."

He said many linesmen could get better money in Australia but were the sort of skilled workers New Zealand could not afford to lose.

He said Electrix was also bringing in workers from overseas who did have the same skill levels.

He said the workers maintained about half of Auckland's power line network, from Manukau to Warkworth.

- NZPA