The ABC is expected to settle staff pay disputes with a new offer endorsed by two main unions.
ABC staff walked off the job last Wednesday, 23 March, following drawn-out disputes over pay, workplace treatment and workloads.
The strike was a 24-hour walk-off that caused major programming disruptions for the network, forcing it to outsource content, including from the BBC, and play reruns.
After an initially rejected offer, the negotiations were moved to the Fair Work Commission for mediation between the parties.
The initial offer included a 10 per cent pay rise over a three-year period, as well as a one-off $1000 signing bonus.
In an email sent to staff yesterday, the ABC has proposed a new offer including a 4 per cent pay increase for the first year, followed by a 3.25 per cent pay increase for the second and third years.
The network claims to have endorsements from two main unions, including the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Community and Public Sector Union.
MEAA initially requested an annual pay rise of 5.5 per cent.
The ABC had also initially proposed a $1,000 one-off signing bonus, but this has been dropped during the negotiations.
Along with monetary compensation, the agreement involves enhanced leave entitlements and better progression pathways, including improved career progression frameworks.
The first-year pay increase will also include back-pay to the first full pay period after 1 October 2025.
Erin Madeley chief executive at MEAA said: “We welcome the improvements that are now on the table to support ABC staff in delivering the quality, independent news and programming that they rely on,”
“MEAA sees this revised offer as an acknowledgement by ABC management that quality news starts with quality jobs for the highly skilled and dedicated workers at the ABC.”
“Without them, the ABC cannot deliver local radio, flagship news programs, or its national radio networks.”
“Our members at the ABC have been steadfast in their campaign for improved pay and conditions and a sustainable national public broadcaster, and for that they should be applauded”, Madeley added.
In a statement to Mediaweek Hugh Marks, managing director of the ABC, said: “I have to recognise that some staff have pretty poor experiences (at the ABC). And I know there are reasons for that.”
“We have a model that rewards people based more on tenure than on demonstration of excellence.”
“I would like to move more to a model that rewards people based on great outcomes, particularly some of our junior staff,” he added.
Members will vote on Thursday, 2 March 2025, at 1:30 pm.
