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 industrial action follows a vote where 60% of ABC staff turned down management's proposal of a 10% total pay rise over three years, which included raises of 3.5% in the first year and 3.25% in the subsequent two years. Given Australia's annual inflation rate of 3.8% as of January, the union argued that the offer was insufficient.
Unions highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the proposed pay increase, stressing that it fell short of addressing multiple concerns related to reproductive health leave and the potential replacement of journalists with artificial intelligence.
The ABC employs around 4,500 staff, with approximately 75% participating in the vote on the compensation offer this past Sunday.
Michael Slezak from the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) emphasized, 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) warned that disruptions are likely unless ABC management presents a more acceptable offer. She acknowledged the burden that this strike would impose on loyal audiences but asserted that unresolved bargaining claims prompted the decision.
In response, ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks defended the proposed offer as "reflecting the maximum level the ABC can sustainably provide," characterizing it as a balanced and financially responsible solution.
Currently, the ABC plans to seek assistance from Australia's Fair Work Commission to mediate the ongoing dispute. This marks the first strike at the ABC since 2006, which also stemmed from grievances surrounding pay and employment conditions.
