ABC journalists halt strike action

ABC journalists have voted to postpone today’s stoppage following a new pay offer from management.

MEAA Media members around Australia voted not to go ahead with the planned 40 minute stoppage after the ABC yesterday provided an improved offer to union representatives.

The new offer provides pay rises totalling 11% over three years -up from a 9% offer- backdated to October 1 last year, plus a $1500 sign on bonus.

Management has also agreed to conduct a transparent audit of the gender and CALD pay gap, to fix the broken buyout system, and to put in place a new pathway for career progression for early and mid-career journalists.

MEAA members met yesterday afternoon and voted to postpone the stoppage to allow negotiations to continue but reserve the right to industrial actiod if the outcome of talks is not satisfactory.

MEAA Media Director Cassie Derrickn said, “The new offer provided by management this morning contains several improvements on what has been on the table until now.

“Members are encouraged that the new offer hears their concerns on gender and race pay gaps and buyouts and comes some way to addressing claims on progression and a fair pay rise.

“It does not satisfy all of employees’ demands and there is still work to be done, but there is no doubt the pressure from union members has led to this better offer from ABC managing director David Anderson after his executives refused to negotiate for weeks.

“This is a major achievement for ABC employees in this campaign who have been united in their resolve to push for a better deal.”