Northpower 22 face job losses

Twenty-two Hawke's Bay based Northpower workers will lose their jobs from March 31 after Unison Contracting Services cancelled the company's licence to work on Unison's network.

Unison spokesman Danny Gough said they were talking with Northpower "about how the disestablishment of their current service agreement would look".

"I can't comment on whether we will redeploy those staff or not, it's too early to say," he said.

Unison had used external contractors for a number of years. "These companies provided valuable service in assisting Unison operate and maintain our electricity networks in Taupo, Rotorua and Hawkes Bay.

"As Unison develops and implements a Smart network embracing new technologies, our resourcing needs change to ensure we have people with the skills required to cater for our changing network demands. This includes an increased need for highly skilled technicians, fitters, etc."

An electrical worker, who declined to be named, said it placed Unison in a monopolistic position. In the past, developers could get competitive quotes for projects.

He said few linesmen would accept a job offer from Unison.

"They've been in other contracting companies that have been let go by Unison. They're that bloody pissed off they're accepting job offers from Australia and around the country. That's skilled people and their wages leaving Hawke's Bay."

Established in 1920, Northpower has expanded from a Northland-owned and operated electricity distribution network to become one of the largest multi-utility contractors in New Zealand.

Unison Contracting Services is part of Unison Networks, which is owned by electricity account holders through a trust. Unison Networks also owns the electricity networks in Taupo and Rotorua. Profits are paid only to Hawke's Bay account holders, mainly in the Napier City Council and Hastings District Council areas.