Vodafone in the dark over class action

VODAFONE Australia says a law firm that is threatening a class action against the telco hasn't contacted the company in two years.

Law firm Piper Alderman is expected to outline details of the legal action at a media conference in Sydney on Tuesday morning.

Vodafone Australia says it has little knowledge of the action.

Class action takes Vodafone to task on dropouts

"Vodafone is aware that a law firm which is known for promoting class actions has repeated longstanding plans to proceed with action against us," the company said in a statement.

"That firm has not contacted Vodafone directly about this since it first threatened action in 2010, nor has it sought to discuss the claims of any customers it represents in the class action with Vodafone.

"Vodafone has not been provided with any details of the class action at this stage and is therefore not able to comment on the claims which might be made."

The legal move comes more than a year after Vodafone said it was working hard to improve its service.

This followed a damning report outlining more than 12,000 complaints ranging from patchy network coverage to poor customer service.

Last month, Vodafone began winding up its Crazy John's mobile phones and accessories brand, saying as many as 300 jobs are at risk as the company decides how to deploy staff.

Hutchison Telecommunications Australia (HTA) is one half of the Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) joint venture with Vodafone PLC.

The joint venture was formed in June 2009 after regulatory and shareholder approval.
 

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Star Wars fans' light saber class

Jim Collum and other students work on their light saber skills during a Golden Gate Knights class in San Fran. Picture: AP Source: AP

A GROUP of San Francisco Star Wars fans have created a light saber class for Jedis-in-training.

At a recent class, Alain Bloch, the self-proclaimed Jedi Master at Golden Gate Knights, demonstrated a slicing technique. He has a background in martial arts and stage combat.

"Always be mindful of the presence!" he said, donning a Luke Skywalker outfit and a green light saber.

With Star Wars movie music coursing through the dance studio, his disciples clutch their neon-glowing light sabers.

These self-proclaimed "Star Wars geeks" slice and parry as they follow Bloch's lead, and get a little exercise, too.

People in a recent class in the city's South of Market district, including a couple on a date, said they embraced their quirkiness and had even converted some of the skeptical into the "Jedi order."

"At first they giggle because they think it's a little silly. Then they're like, actually that's kind of cool," said Julio Reyes, a student. "Then they start asking more questions."

Not all Jedis-in-training are rooting for the good guys. Some came to embrace "the dark side of the force."

"I just love Vader, period," said Darth Vader-clad student Gary Ripper.

"Just his voice, the way he moved, the power of him. I just liked the powerfulness of him."

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