Wellington lines workers are worried the transition to a new contractor could see longer power cuts over winter. Photo:
Wellington lines workers say the transition to a new contractor could see longer power cuts over winter due to skilled workers leaving the region.
But the contractor, Omexom, said it would provide a safe and reliable service.
Last year Northpower lost its contract to do fault work and maintenance on Wellington's electricity network after holding it for 14 years.
French company Omexom took over in January, with a six month transition period ending 30 June.
RNZ has spoken to a number of current and former staff who said the change has resulted in job cuts and a slash in pay rates - leading to skilled workers leaving the organisation.
Staff said it raised questions about workload and safety concerns.
E Tū Negotiation specialist, Joe Gallager said workers were especially concerned about inexperienced staff getting hurt while trying to repair power outages.
"There is always the potential for accidents, that's why it's important to make sure that you have a good blend of skills and experience to reduce the risk around health and safety concerns."
"There are processes and standards they should follow, but when you're under pressure, potentially you might skip something serious."
Gallager said about 30 staff were let go during the transition while another 80 workers are currently at Omexom in Wellington.
Omexom declined an interview with RNZ but said in a statement it was not able to comment on specific employment-related matters because of privacy reasons.
It would not confirm staff numbers that had left during the transition.
Omexom said it was committed to nurturing its people and prided itself for providing a high standard, safe and reliable service that did not compromise on safety.
Gallager said a lot of workers were unhappy with the initial pay rates offered to them, but signed anyway.
"Some of them were telling me they felt they were up to $10,000 a year worse off. A lot of them did say to me, 'we are signing it because we need a job. Our kids are in school and our families are connected to the region', but they were extremely reluctant to sign those agreements," Gallager said.
He said Omexom viewed the benefits it offered workers, such as life insurance, as making a big difference.
"Omexom is needing to understand that those other benefits really don't put food on the table.
"I know for a fact, that there are people moving ... because they would rather stay with Northpower and not come and work for less money," Gallager said
Workers' concerns
*Callum, who has signed up with Omexom, said some skilled workers had left or intended to leave to get better pay elsewhere.
He said training new staff took years and he was concerned inexperienced staff would be put in dangerous positions or get hurt because of staff shortages.
"It does take time to train people, for linesman it takes 3-4 years, for electricians it takes the same."
Another worker *Michael, is convinced that, going into winter, he and others who have been there longer will have to do more work.
"We've lost a lot of skilled guys out in the field ... someone's got to pick up the slack and it's not going to be these new guys who are coming in because they don't really know the network," Michael said.
He was worried about the mental health of staff, saying a number have taken stress leave, but neither Wellington Electricity or Omexom would confirm this.
Wellington Electricity declined an interview with RNZ but said in a statement safety was its top priority.
"We're supported by three field service providers who specialise in electricity distribution and engage competent registered electrical workers. As we transition to a new field service provider, extensive reviews of safety management systems are underway and are largely completed.
"We have high expectations of Omexom, and multiple provisions in our contract with them to ensure they uphold our strict safety standards, maintaining the safety of workers and the public at all times," said a Wellington Electricity spokesperson.
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