EPMU and PSA Media Release

TVNZ staff in for long haul: another strike at TVNZ

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and Public Service Association unionised workers at TVNZ are taking strike action from 8:55am this morning around the country. The action follows a vote by the workers to escalate the strike action and start a welfare fund which will be used to support members who have lost wages during the dispute.

Last night another lightning strike disrupted TV One’s late news, stopping live-crosses from New York and Auckland and knocking a scheduled story off the bulletin.

EPMU Organiser Rachel Mackintosh says the decision to start the welfare fund and continued action shows members are in for the long haul. “Members are dismayed that TVNZ has failed to stick by its purported Kiwi values of community and caring so they’ve started a welfare fund which shows their own values include sticking together and looking after each other.”

PSA Organiser Brenden Sheehan says TVNZ needs to realise industrial action won’t stop until the company comes up with a fair offer. “This welfare fund should be seen as a sign members are organising themselves for ongoing, escalating action.”

The unions are seeking a 5% pay rise and additional annual leave. TVNZ is offering no additional annual leave and a 2.25 percent pay increase- an effective pay cut after increases in the cost of living are taken into account.

ENDS

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