ABC staffers to strike on Wednesday
Hugh Marks at the ABC's 2026 showcase
ABC staff have voted to strike on Wednesday, which will mark the first major industrial action taken by the national broadcaster’s employees in 20 years.
The ABC’s chief people officer, Deena Amorelli, sent an all-staff email on Monday morning, that said 60% of voting unionised staff had rejected a 10% pay rise over three years, plus a $1,000 bonus on top. The MEAA disputes this percentage, issuing a release that said over 90% of staff voted in favour of strike action.
The 24-hour stoppage will start at 11am on Wednesday.
Let me get this straight.
The ABC staff, when thousands of people are being laid off, taxes are higher than ever, pay rises are not coming through, we’re facing fuel shortages and inflation rampant, want the taxpayer to fork out even more money for them to take their above average wages?
Tell them they’re bloody dreaming!
ABC staff also face those challenges of higher costs of living.
If you think ABC staff get overpaid, look at the enterprise agreement. They are fixed bands and not even close to what someone in the private sector would be paid.
Public servant wages are important if you want taleng and a strong public service. That includes the ABC and its charter to broadcast including emergency broadcasting.
This case has been in progress for over a year. It doesn’t just cease because of external global factors.
NEWSFLASH ABC STAFF
Most of people in the private sector would be absolutely delighted to have a 10% pay rise over the course of three years, 16 weeks parental leave and additional sick leave!
They wouldn’t need to go on strike if they hadn’t signed away the international streaming and worldwide merchandise rights to Bluey to the BBC.
Multi billion dollar blunder there guys.