The EPMU-led industrial action against owner-operator contracts being offered to line engineers has resulted in major delays for some customers, admitted Telecom for the first time.

Mr. Kelly further said that this occurred because of the backlog of work, which came into existence during EPMU's industrial action, which has included a series of strikes plus a so-called "broadband ban" on provisioning new internet connections, or servicing existing accounts.

However, the backlog is now being cleared, the credit of which goes to Chorus' new contractor, Visionstream. It should be noted though that some customers have to wait three weeks to a month.

Initially, Chorus had forwarded that while the EPMU has insisted that some are waiting weeks for phone line or broadband fixes, the backlog is three or four days (on top of the usual 24 hours).

On other hand, small group of line engineers who lost their jobs recently, in the latest development in the dispute, today protested outside Telecom's head office in Auckland this morning.

After Visionstream won the contract ahead of Downer EDI Engineering and Transfield to manage Telecom's line in Auckland and Northland, nearly 200 engineers had to lose their jobs two weeks ago.

"The line engineers were offered work with Visionstream as depended contractors, which means the workers would need to buy their own vans, pay for their own insurance and would no longer be waged workers entitled to overtime," specified EPMU communications advisor Rob Egan.

However, Telecom spokesperson Robin Kelly, informed that the workers were offered financial assistance and interest free loans.