MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION

"PSA RNZ delegates are recommending further industrial action at RNZ this Friday and Saturday in response to RNZ's refusal to meet in negotiations or mediation" said PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

"Our delegates met today and expressed huge frustration at RNZ's attitude towards negotiations."

"RNZ management need to understand that this dispute will not just go away by them burying their heads in the sand. The message from members is that they will not just stand by and let RNZ impose unpopular changes that will impact upon the quality of public radio."

"Members have been saying all along that RNZ is not capable of discussing and addressing their concerns, but are instead determined to force in unpopular measures. RNZ's refusal to meet in negotiations, with a mediator if necessary, and discuss the issues without conditions only serves to compound our members mistrust."

"PSA members remain concerned that the quality of public radio will be compromised if RNZ force through their claims in bargaining. That is why they feel it is necessary to take this sort of action".

"There will be a stop work meeting this Friday morning in Auckland and Wellington for members to vote on the delegates recommendation. If the vote is in favour, members will walk off the job for the rest of Friday and until 6pm Saturday. "

"RNZ was planning to shift production to Auckland due to renovations in Wellington, but this action will interfere with these plans".

ENDS