ABC offers new proposal after landmark strike, staff to vote

Union representatives were not impressed with the ABC’s revised enterprise agreement, despite management labelling it “generous”.

Following the landmark 24-hour walkout by ABC journalists and staff members last Wednesday, 25 March, the broadcaster yesterday (31 March) proposed a new pay offer and increased provisions, reaching a tentative agreement with union leaders and management ahead of a staff vote.

Everything so far

Following on from reported months of negotiations, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) outlined its demands for job security and dignity, specifically calling for a pay increase to keep up with the cost of living, pay-band progression that recognises improvements in skill and experience over time, secure jobs, particularly for contract workers, and guardrails around the use of AI to continue to deliver quality and ethical journalism.

According to MEAA, ABC staff voted overwhelmingly in favour of protected industrial action – more than 90 per cent of the almost 1,000 ballots. Unlimited stoppages of work were approved, with exemptions to allow for emergency broadcasting.

MEAA chief executive Erin Madeley said the decision to walk out reflected deep frustration among staff, who had previously voted against a revised enterprise agreement offer from management that included partial job security improvements, but no pay or condition increase.

The offer also included a $1,000 one-off payment that would not be added to base salaries, attract superannuation, nor be applicable to casual staff.

As Madeley highlighted: “ABC staff don’t want to strike – they want to do their jobs.”

In a statement ahead of the announced walkout, ABC managing director Hugh Marks told Mediaweek: “I believe the revised offer that we asked staff to vote on appropriately balanced fairness to our staff against the ability of the ABC to continue to invest in content and services for the benefit of our audiences.”

This statement came just after the aforementioned revised enterprise agreement was rejected 60 per cent to 40 per cent.

Marks said: “The ABC wants to move to a system that reflects rewarding staff based on their performances, rather than automatically progressing due to tenure, as demanded by the unions.”

In response to MEAA’s demands, he also noted that “no one has provided any evidence to me to suggest ABC staff are paid less than industry standards. In addition, the leave provisions ABC staff receive are generally more generous than many other major workplaces”.

Marks also confirmed the ABC would ask the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for support.

The latest offer

After a key mediation between ABC management, staff, union representatives, and the FWC on Monday (30 March), the broadcaster offered a new deal that many are hoping will bring an end to the negotiations.

Included in the proposal is a pay rise of 10.5 per cent over three years and a more considered approach to career advancement, including clearer progression pathways between pay bands, performance bonuses, retention of promotion provisions, and enhanced leave entitlements.

According to Mediaweek, ABC staff were asked upon their return to work on Thursday, 26 March, what they would accept and what the next step could be – including a potential second 24-hour walkout or a week-long walkout.

However, it seems the MEAA will be recommending members to support the new and improved offer, with Madeley stating: “We welcome the improvements that are now on the table to support ABC staff in delivering the quality, independent news and programming that they rely on.”

She added: “MEAA sees this revised offer as an acknowledgement by ABC management that quality news starts with quality jobs for the highly skilled and dedicated workers at the ABC.

“Without them, the ABC cannot deliver local radio, flagship new programs, or its national radio networks.”

Community and Public Sector Union’s (CPSU) ABC section secretary, Jocelyn Gammie, said: “While ABC’s revised position does not fully address every issue in our claim, there has been significant movement on the key issues of pay and progression.

“In our view, the strongly supported strike action last week worked exactly as intended – ABC management have listened and improved their position. Members should be extremely proud of the way they stood together and fought for what they deserve.”

Madeley said: “Our members at the ABC have been steadfast in their campaign for improved pay and conditions and a sustainable national public broadcaster, and for that, they should be applauded.”

As of today, 1 April, discussions continue, with a vote later this week to be held regarding the enhanced offer from ABC management.