RNZ staff to walk off the job

July 29, 2005

RNZ staff to walk off the job

Some 180 Radio New Zealand employees will walk off the job this afternoon in protest at the state broadcaster’s refusal to agree to a five per cent pay rise.

The industrial stoppage will run from 4pm until 6pm and will involve members of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and the Public Service Association.

EPMU assistant national secretary Rosalie Webster said that further action was likely.

“Radio New Zealand is refusing to lift its pay offer above three per cent, which isn’t good enough in this climate,” she said.

“Radio New Zealand has serious problems attracting and retaining staff, especially senior people. Turnover is high because people find that they can get jobs with more money and better hours elsewhere.

“Two years ago, we settled an agreement with a three per cent pay rise in the first year and a two per cent pay rise in the second year, and an explicit agreement that pay scales in Radio New Zealand would be addressed. This work has not been finished, and the workers are fast losing patience.”

Today’s action will involve journalists, producers, technicians, librarians and other staff.

ENDS

© Scoop Media