Overview
- ABC workers, who began a protected 24-hour strike at 11am AEDT Wednesday, pushed the network to replace live shows with BBC feeds, reruns and pre-recorded programs.
- Following the walkout, 7.30 and the 7pm TV news did not air, Radio National Breakfast and the AM, PM and The World Today programs were pulled, and triple j switched to a preset music list.
- A staff vote rejected management’s offer of 3.5% in year one and 3.25% in the next two years plus a A$1,000 one-off payment, with unions saying it lags inflation, leaves casuals out of the bonus and fails to fix short-term contracts, pay progression and AI rules.
- Managing director Hugh Marks apologized to audiences, defended the package as financially responsible, widened the definition of emergency broadcasting to recall staff for major news, and moved the dispute toward the Fair Work Commission.
- Thousands rallied outside more than 60 ABC offices as unions warned of more stoppages unless a new deal emerges, with the strike ending at 11am Thursday and services resuming while staff highlight insecure work and stalled pay as driving talent away, especially in regional newsrooms.