Staff at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will go on strike on Wednesday for the first time in 20 years, after rejecting a pay rise offer.
The 24-hour strike will begin at 11:00 local time (00:00 GMT) and is expected to disrupt live television and radio broadcasts.
This follows a vote where 60% of ABC staff declined management's proposal of a 10% total pay rise over three years, structured as 3.5% in the first year and 3.25% in the subsequent two years, amidst rising living costs with an annual inflation rate of 3.8% recorded in January.
Union representatives argue that the offered raise is inadequate and neglects to address significant issues such as reproductive health leave and the growing concerns regarding artificial intelligence in journalism roles.
The ABC, which employs approximately 4,500 staff members, reported that 75% participated in the voting process over the weekend.
Michael Slezak from the journalists' union Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) stated, We can't accept a deal that cuts conditions, sends pay backwards against inflation, and refuses to rule out replacing ABC journalists with AI bots.
Jocelyn Gammie of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) noted that disruptions are inevitable unless a fair offer is presented. She added, The last thing union members want to do is inconvenience loyal ABC audiences, but key bargaining claims remain unresolved.
Despite the ongoing backlash, ABC managing director Hugh Marks defended the offer, describing it as sustainable and balanced amidst multiple financial pressures. The ABC intends to seek assistance from Australia's workplace tribunal, the Fair Work Commission, to help resolve the ongoing dispute.
The previous strike at ABC occurred in 2006, focusing on similar pay and employment concerns.
