ABC staff agree to new pay deal

After more than a month of deliberation, staff have approved a new enterprise agreement for better remuneration and provisions.

Further to HR Leader’s coverage last month of the broadcaster’s latest pay and provisions offer following a landmark 24-hour strike, ABC staff have now officially approved the new agreement.

In a statement issued yesterday (6 May), the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) announced the decisive yes vote by members, with union chief Erin Madeley calling it “a tremendous victory for ABC staff who stood together and took courageous action to protect their livelihoods, their professions and the future of public broadcasting”.

“By withdrawing their labour, workers showed just how central they are to the ABC and to the quality independent journalism Australians rely on everyday,” Madeley said.

As part of the deal, ABC staff will see improved pay, job security, clearer role progression through genuine classifications, including for regional journalists, strengthened diversity measures and clearer guardrails around the use of AI.

Madeley acknowledged the determination and unity required to achieve this result, as well as public support, for whom the outcome also benefits.

She said: “The solidarity from audiences and supporters made a real impact – from people joining strike lines, to signing petitions and donating to strike funds.

“That support sent a powerful message that Australians value their ABC and the workers who make it possible.

“With the agreement approved, MEAA is looking forward to working constructively with ABC management to implement changes and build a strong, sustainable ABC.”

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