Strike action at TVNZ escalates: 24 hour strike

Union members from the Public Service Association and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union at TVNZ have walked off the job for twenty four hours starting today at 5:05pm tonight.

“This 24 hour strike comes after numerous short stoppages and is aimed at making TVNZ certain that our members are serious about a fair deal which recognises their value to the company,” said Brenden Sheehan, PSA Organiser at TVNZ.

“The lightening strike action has been going for nearly a month with disruptions to news, sports and current events shows. Union members voted last week to escalate the industrial action,” said Brenden Sheehan.

“Rather than spending taxpayers money and burning out strike-breakers to knock their staff down TVNZ should be considering the benefits a happy and productive workforce would have on the quality of its broadcasting,” said Rachel Mackintosh, EPMU Organiser at TVNZ.

“This is a company that is owned by all New Zealanders – it should behave with the decency New Zealanders pride themselves on.”

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.

Union members are located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and are presenters, producers, administrators, camera people and involved in technical support and scheduling.

ENDS

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