ABC Staff Secures Fresh Pay Deal After Strike

0:00It's March 31st. You're listening to Sydney News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Cory with the story. ABC staff just got a fresh pay offer for management after that 24-hour strike last week, the first in 20 years. The New Deal Bumps pay by 4% in year 1 above inflation, and 3.25% each of the next two years. It also fixes progression through pay bans, adds performance bonuses, keys promotions intact, and boosts leaf perks with back pay from October 1st, 2025. This came after a fair work commission meeting where managing director Hugh Marks talked with union reps from MEAA and CPSU. The old offer, 3.5% first year, then 3.25% got shot down by 60% of voters as too low, even though. ABC called it competitive. Unions are hyped, calling it a win from the strike that saw over 1,000 journalists walk out, killing shows like 7.30

1:00and news. Breakfast. MEAA co-chair Michael Slesak says it hits key demands on pay and contracts, though not everything. CPSU's Jocelyn Gammy agrees the action forced management's hand. No dice on AI job protections, or that $1,000 bonus from before. Those got dropped. Slesak plans to push AI clauses next round in two years. Staff full Thursday, and if it passes, expect real gains for ABC's 4,500 workers stretching years ahead.