ABC Staff Reject Pay Deal, Vote for Strike

0:00It's March 23rd. This is Sydney News today, powered by AI. ABC staff have overwhelmingly rejected the broadcaster's latest pay deal, with 60% voting no in a ballot that saw 75.6%. Percent turnout among its roughly 4,500 workers. The offer failed just short of approval, paving the way for a protected 24-hour strike, starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. The proposed agreement included a 3.5% raise in the first year, followed by 3.25% for the next two years, plus a $1,000 bonus for eligible staff. This comes after a similar vote in November also failed by a narrow margin amid ongoing negotiations. Union leaders from the media, entertainment, and arts alliance in the community and public sector union say the deal doesn't keep up with inflation, which hit 3.8% in January and a risk-cutting conditions while leaving room for AI to replace jobs. They stressed that staff want fair pay to keep delivering quality content.

1:03Frustration has built over unresolved claims, and while no one wants to disrupt services for loyal listeners, members felt they had no choice but to. Push back. Now the ABC plans to seek help from the Fair Work Commission to break the deadlock, as both sides dig in for what's next.