Not a good morning for TVNZ: strike takes show off air

‘Good Morning,’ TVNZ’s morning news show has been cancelled today as a result of escalated strike action from TVNZ staff who are members of the PSA and the EPMU.

“Today’s action comes after union attempts at resolving the dispute through the Department of Labour’s Mediation Service yesterday failed to deliver a result,” said Brenden Sheehan, PSA Organiser.

“The union parties presented a number of compromise proposals to TVNZ to try resolve this dispute, it is frustrating that TVNZ will not even consider budging from their original offer despite having the financial ability to do so.”

EPMU Organiser Rachel Mackintosh says union members are showing their disappointment at the Crown Owned Company’s failure to provide a decent offer.

“We went to mediation with the intention of resolving this dispute. Our members don’t like taking industrial action but they can’t just stand by and let TVNZ ride roughshod over their pay and conditions.”

The unions are seeking a 5 percent pay increase and an end to unfair performance pay and additional annual leave. TVNZ are offering a 2.25 percent pay increase and no additional annual leave.

TVNZ staff started this strike action at 6:15am this morning and will be picketing outside Petrocorp House on Lambton Quay in Wellington from 12:30pm today.

TVNZ and the unions were in mediation yesterday as a result of legal action the unions have launched alleging TVNZ breached the Employment Relations Act 2000 by employing strike-breakers during the industrial dispute.

There are about 300 union members located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. They are presenters, producers, administrators, camera people and involved in technical support and scheduling.

ENDS

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