Foxtel installers came out in force today at Trades Hall to launch a campaign calling on the Pay TV giant to intervene and fix up new work contracts that cut pay rates and impose harsh fines for taking a sick day.
New contracts issued byFoxtel contracting companies BSA and Downer will severely undermine customer service standards and income security for installers.
The campaign will start by raising customer awareness about Foxtel’s treatment of installers. But installers will move to escalate campaign action if Foxtel does not come to the table to negotiate a fairer deal.
- CEPU NSW Secretary Jim Metcher
CEPU NSW Secretary Jim Metcher spoke at the launch of the terrible conditions subcontractors have at work.
“They are fined, sometimes hundreds of dollars, for taking sick days, they could have their contracts ripped up any time with no notice and many haven’t had a holiday in years.
“These are small business owners – many with young families and mortgages – who deserve a fair go,” he said.
Unions NSW Secretary Mark Lennon formerly launched the campaign saying the working conditions of installers were indicative of a broader trend towards insecure work in Australia.
“40% of the workforce is affected by insecure employment practices.
“I applaud this campaign for standing up for better conditions for working Australians,” he said. “I want you to know you have the full support of Unions NSW in your campaign.”
- UnionsNSW Secretary Mark Lennon
Two installers came forward at the end of the launch to appeal to Foxtel for a fairer deal.
One shared a story of how he had been fined for taking time off when his one-year-old daughter was rushed to hospital unexpectedly, a time when he could least afford the penalty.
The other explained how Foxtel was increasingly transferring risk onto installers rather than taking responsibility themselves.
He said that installers were forced to take a certain amount of Foxtel boxes from the company each month but if they weren’t allocated the work necessary to use the equipment within 56 days, installers were forced to pay up to $800 per unused box.
It’snow time to spread the word about these unfair contracts.
Make sure you download the flyer and sign the petition calling on Foxtel CEO Richard Freudenstein to start negotiations with installers.
Visit the Fair Go Foxtel website at www.fairgofoxtel.com.au
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