Broadband workers down tools over pay

Contractors laying fibre optic cable as part of the nationwide ultra fast broadband rollout. Photo / supplied by Chorus

Hundreds of workers employed in the rollout of ultra-fast broadband have reportedly downed their tools after not being paid.

The subcontractors were expecting to be paid yesterday for work carried out in July, but One News reported the payments never came through.

The workers have downed tools and are reportedly refusing to return to work until they are paid by Transfield Services, which has been contracted by Chorus to help with the rollout of ultra-fast broadband.

Some workers have said they had been told they would not be paid until next month.

Transfield told One News it was aware of the issue, which was believed to be the result of a computer glitch due to a new payment system. The company said it was urgently working on the issue.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams said she was unaware of the issue, One News reported.

Ms Adams said Transfield was responsible for only part of the rollout.