ABC staff in the MEAA call off strike action after continuing negotiations with management
ABC staff from the nation’s largest media union have called off strike action for the second time in a fortnight after management offered improved entitlements.
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ABC staff who are members of the nation’s largest media union have called off strike action for the second time in a fortnight after management offered its workforce improved entitlements.
Employees at the public broadcaster from across the country met with union officials on Tuesday to discuss the revised offer by management.
Details released by the Media, Entertainment & Arts and Alliance, stated that the ABC’s managing director David Anderson will “help build staff trust” by implementing salary reviews for staff on pay bands one to five and offering other improvements.
In a statement on the MEAA website, the union has called for improved working conditions including double-digit pay rises, a one-off payment bonus, career progression and job plan appraisals.
Despite the MEAA abandoning strike action, ABC staff who are members of the Community and Public Sector Union are proceeding with the planned strike.
A vast majority of ABC staff are members of the MEAA.
Employees of both unions had planned to strike on Wednesday between 7am and 8am (AEDT) and again later that day between 3pm and 4pm (AEDT), allowing those on different shifts to participate in industrial action.
Under the revised three-year agreement – which has yet to be finalised – it includes an 11 per cent pay rise over three years backdated to October 1, a one-off payment of $1500 and the ability for staff to receive promotions.
The pay rises include 4 per cent in the first and second years respectively and 3 per cent in the third year.
The drafting of the new enterprise will be put to staff for a vote.
MEAA media director Cassie Derrick said the negotiations “has never been just about pay”.
“It’s about ensuring a fair go at forging a career at the public broadcaster,” she said.
“The public need and deserve an ABC that is diverse, fair and equal.”
ABC staff last went on strike in 2006.
The MEAA said ABC management will provide statistical data on promotions and staff on 12-month contracts will receive job plan appraisals before their contract expires.
Staff will also be given 30 days to appeal an appraisal decision – it was previously 14 days.
Originally published as ABC staff in the MEAA call off strike action after continuing negotiations with management
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