ABC staffers strike back on after stop-work action was postponed last week

ABC staffers strike over working conditions and pay is back on after it was postponed last week.

Last week's protest plans were suspended after an improved offer was made by the broadcaster’s managing director David Anderson.

However, recent developments will see more than 1000 staffers take stop-work action for two hours next Wednesday, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

The publication noted that under the action, ABC staffers that are part of Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) will stop work for one hour at 7 am (AEDT) and again at 3 pm on March 22.

The strikes are likely to disrupt television and radio broadcasts during those nominated two hours.

The MEAA told members in an email: "We’re calling on them to walk the walk and provide secure, sustainable jobs for all staff.

"We have called management back to the table to work with us on crucial details so we can finalise and endorse a fair agreement, but until they agree to do that we need to stand ­together and show them that we’re united and serious about the need for real change."

"We are very close to reaching a fair deal that we can all endorse, but we need to pressure management back to the table and finalise the important details that will provide real, positive change and provide sustainable careers at ABC."

According to The Australian, staff are demanding for a 6% annual pay rises for three years. The ABC has offered 11% over three years with a $1500 sign-on bonus and wage rises of 4% in the first and second years and 3% in the third.
 
Among the other issues staff are protesting are the transparent reported gender and race pay gap audit, penalty rates for overtime, and career progression for junior staff. Many even took to Twitter using #dontdiscountABC to highlight their cause with the public.

See also: ABC employees Tweet #DontDiscountABC as protest plans are postponed