ABC staff reject 1.7pc pay rise offer

The broadcaster is weighing up results of a vote from 3600 staff who knocked back a 1.7pc increase.

ABC managing director David Anderson is working to find savings at the broadcaster. Picture: AAP

ABC staff have rejected a 1.7 per cent pay increase as the broadcaster weighs up its “financial challenges”.

Of the 3600-plus staff who voted, 66.7 per cent were against the offer at the close of voting on Monday, with the remaining voting in favour. Managing director David Anderson said the ABC would return to the negotiating table “shortly”.

“Before we do we’ll take some time to consider the outcome and how we can meet your expectations while taking into account the ABC’s current financial challenges,” Mr Anderson said in an email to staff.

A $43.7 million boost for the ABC’s rural and regional journalism in the federal budget in April increased the public broadcaster’s triennial base operational funding from $3.16 billion to almost $3.2bn.