CPSU members at the ABC have strongly rejected ABC management's latest pay offer and endorsed a campaign of industrial action including strikes as part of their campaign to secure a new enterprise agreement.
Just over 75% of staff participated in the vote, with 60% voting No and 40% voting Yes.
The escalation follows months of negotiations between ABC management and unions.
Unions had been urging staff to reject the draft agreement because it contains a low pay rise and fails to address concerns about the staff appraisal process, career progression, nightshift penalty rates, and reproductive health leave.
CPSU members have endorsed a range of protected industrial actions including work bans, stoppages and a 24-hour strike from 11am on Wednesday 25 March. Members of MEAA have also strongly supported a protection action ballot.
Comments attributable to Jocelyn Gammie ABC Section Secretary
"CPSU members do not vote for strike action lightly. The fact that so many union members have taken this step demonstrates how frustrated they are at this process.
"ABC staff work hard to provide high quality services for the Australian community. They deserve to be treated with respect and that means a decent pay offer and fair agreement.
"The last thing union members want to do is inconvenience loyal ABC audiences by disrupting programming and services, but key bargaining claims remain unresolved. Unless the ABC put a fair offer on the table, disruptions are inevitable."
Dermot Browne, CPSU Communication Officer. Ph 0400 048 369
