ABC news programs such as 7.30 will be replaced by the BBC World Service today, as ABC staff begin a 24-hour strike today.
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”.
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 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.
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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, 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.”
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.
“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 Section Secretary Jocelyn Gammie said.
“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,” Gammie added.
“Unless the ABC put a fair offer on the table, disruptions are inevitable.”
The last major strike at the ABC was in 2006, again over a pay dispute, and caused severe disruptions to its broadcast operations.