The ABC’s flagship news programs, including 7.30, will be replaced by the BBC World Service today, as ABC staff begin a 24-hour strike at 11am.
Thousands of ABC journalists and other employees will strike for the first time in two decades, after 60 per cent of staff rejected the broadcaster’s latest pay offer of a 10 per cent pay rise over three years, and $1000 signing bonus.
Guardian Australia reports that the directors of news and radio, Justin Stevens and Ben Latimer, emailed staff reminding them to comply with the ABC code of conduct and to “avoid making statements that could be interpreted as compromising impartiality on future matters you may be asked to report on”.
Changes to ABC programming due to strike
ABC’s 7.30 with Sarah Ferguson will be cancelled on Wednesday evening, and ABC News Breakfast has not aired.
Triple J and ABC Classic will be play pre-programmed music without presenters.
Sources told Guardian Australia Radio National programming will be replaced by a BBC World Service simulcast, pre-recorded shows and repeats.
Radio current affairs program AM with Melissa Clarke will be broadcast on Wednesday before the strike, but not on Thursday as staff will not return until 11am. Late Night Live with David Marr will be off air on Wednesday.
ABC News Breakfast hosted by Bridget Brennan and James Glenday is not expected to air on Thursday, as the three-hour program needs studio crew and directors, who will most likely still be on strike.
Hugh Marks. Image: ABC
‘No evidence staff paid less’: ABC’s Hugh Marks responds to strike
Hugh Marks, ABC Managing Director, released a statement on Monday to Mediaweek, in response to the failed pay negotiations.
Marks responded to a request for comment Monday afternoon, addressing concerns about job security, automatic salary progression, and pay levels.
He also confirmed the ABC will be asking The Fair Work Commission (FWC) for support: “We have reached a point that we can’t get agreement. Without an agreement on a way forward with staff, we have no choice but to approach the FWC for assistance to resolve bargaining.”
You can read Marks’ full statement here.
ABC staff strike over pay
The ABC’s chief people officer, Deena Amorelli, informed staff on Monday morning that the proposal of a 10 per cent pay rise over three years and $1000 signing bonus was rejected by 395 votes.
The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) confirmed that more than 75 per cent of staff participated in the vote, which took place after months of negotiations between ABC management and unions.