Two unions are poised to walk off the job at ABC for 24 hours unless a vote can avert strike.
A strike is looming at ABC next Wednesday unless it is averted by a staff vote which closes on Sunday.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports the two unions representing staff – the MEAA and CPSU – have both notified the ABC of staff intentions to walk off the job next Wednesday for 24 hours as they push for a better pay offer.
“Set up an out of office reply on your work email letting everyone know you’re participating in protected industrial action,” MEAA has suggested staff should enact next Tuesday.
“Presenters are encouraged to speak on air during your segment to tell audiences why you won’t be here tomorrow.”
Then on the potential strike day, Wednesday March 25, “Go into your local bureau before 10:30am AEDT so we can all down tools and walk out together at 11:00am AEDT – we’ll send you details about the logistics of your local action soon.”
But will it come to that?
The previous offer failed by only a narrow margin when employees voted down a pay deal that would have boosted salaries by 10 per cent over three years. The unions have demanded 5.5 per cent pay rises for each of the three years, as well as much higher progression up pay bands.
MD Hugh Marks has offered annual pay rises of 3.5 per cent, 3.25 per cent and 3.25 per cent over the three years, pay progression up to band six, 16 weeks of parental leave for supporting partners and increased sick and compassionate leave. It also comes with a $1000 ‘sweetener. to each staffer.
Voting on ABC’s latest offer is open until Sunday at 2pm.