20 October 2006

Unions and TVNZ seek mediation to resolve industrial dispute

The Public Service Association and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union will seek the assistance of the Department of Labour’s mediation service next Tuesday in an attempt to resolve the pay dispute between TVNZ and the unions.

The unions are seeking a 5 percent pay increase for all members: TVNZ is currently offering 1.75 percent. TVNZ has made a net profit of over $95 million in the last five years.

“We are hoping that mediation will result in TVNZ agreeing to a decent pay deal that takes into account cost of living increases and TVNZ’s healthy financial position,” said PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

“Our members refuse to sit by and see TVNZ director’s fees increase by over 30 percent while those delivering programmes are offered a miserly 1.75 percent,” said Richard Wagstaff.

“Union members at TVNZ play an important role in delivering high quality public broadcasting which the company must recognise in offering a decent pay deal,” said Andrew Little, EPMU National Secretary.

“Union members will take industrial action if TVNZ refuses to agree to a decent pay deal through mediation,” said Andrew Little.

Bargaining between the unions and TVNZ began in July. Union members voted to take industrial action last week and have agreed to wait until the outcomes of Tuesday’s mediation is known before taking any action.

Union members are located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and are presenters, producers, administrators, camera people and involved in technical support and scheduling.

ENDS

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