Staff at the ABC are set to vote on potential strike action as part of their protracted campaign for job security, fair pay and improved conditions.
Last week, ABC management declined to table an offer that enables staff to produce the quality news and current affairs that Australians rely on.
Instead, the latest offer includes cuts to job security, no improvements to stagnant pay band progression, and a pay offer below inflation.
It also ignores staff calls for ethical and accountable use of AI in the workplace, respect for the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Journalist Code of Ethics, and an audit into racial and disability pay gaps.
Staff will this week vote on taking protected action, which is expected to include striking.
"Staff at our ABC take their responsibility to the Australian public very seriously, and they need secure, sustainable jobs," said MEAA Media Director Cassie Derrick.
"One in ten ABC staff are on insecure short-term contracts, denying them the stability they need to deliver quality news and content, and to build a stable life.
"It's time for ABC management to return with a serious offer that gives staff real career pathways."
MEAA Chief Executive Erin Madeley said members working at the ABC were fighting not just for fair pay and conditions, but also for the future of the national broadcaster.
"Australians rely on our ABC to provide quality news they can trust, that elevates our arts and entertainment industries and entertains and educates our kids. But to do that, ABC staff need quality, sustainable jobs in both metro and regional areas.
"I congratulate our members at the ABC for fighting for workers' rights, quality journalism and a sustainable national broadcaster - but they shouldn't have to.
"It is time for ABC management to wake up and start running the ABC in the interests of all Australians.
"Let's give ABC staff a fair deal so they can get back to doing the quality work all Australians love."
