SIPTU has begun balloting its members in RTÉ on whether they have confidence in the broadcaster’s senior leadership team and its implementation of the organisation’s five-year strategy.

The union, which represents around 600 staff in RTÉ, said the move follows extensive discussions and concerns raised by members across the organisation.

Representatives voted to hold a formal ballot on the leadership and what it describes as the implementation of the “New Direction” strategy.

The electronic ballot opened last Friday and will run until 18 February at 12 noon.

In the ballot, seen by RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, members are being asked whether they have confidence in the senior leadership team’s strategy and its ability to deliver a fit-for-purpose public service broadcaster for Ireland’s future.

RTÉ’s “New Direction” strategy is the broadcaster’s five-year plan, published in June 2024, aimed at reshaping the organisation following financial, governance and reputational crises.

The SIPTU Section Committee in RTÉ described the ballot as a “formal, democratic action” to allow members’ collective voice to be heard on an issue it said is critical to the future of public service media.

It cited widespread frustration among members regarding the implementation of the strategy and its prospects for securing a viable public service model.

In response, RTÉ said it remains committed to the strategy, which it said is focused on “securing the future of Ireland’s national public service media and giving more to Irish audiences in a much-changed media landscape and with rapidly evolving audience habits.”

The organisation said the strategy followed extensive consultation and that the majority of staff supported the need for change.

RTÉ added it remains available to engage with unions on the issues raised.

Separately, in a statement to Morning Ireland, the National Union of Journalists has said it is considering a ballot of “no confidence in the strategy adopted by the leadership team and board,” with a meeting of members due to take place next week to discuss the matter.