Foxtel installers are threatening to take industrial action, saying they're under increasing pressure to cut corners when installing the pay TV service.

45,000 unionised Verizon Communications Inc. workers went on strike in the US on Sunday after negotiations with the telecommunications company over a new labour contract fizzled.

Strike action across the nation will be ramped up as Australia's leading scientists continue their push for more pay.

CSIRO spokesman Huw Morgan said the strike action was disappointing.

HP has been fined for not meeting service level targets due to a two-day strike last week, the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union claimed as it considered fresh strikes.