Industrial action disrupts 6pm News, Sunday show

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and Public Service Association unionised workers at TVNZ took lightning industrial action from 2:15pm to 7:30pm today resulting in disruption to TV One cornerstone current affairs show, Sunday, as well as the six o’clock news.

The disruptions included the last minute replacement of Sunday’s regular presenter with a One News reader, and difficulties with editing the show together.

One News was forced to assign its lead story to an intern.

EPMU Organiser Rachel Mackintosh says the disruption is just another sign members are determined to escalate action.

“TVNZ talks about representing New Zealand and New Zealanders but the company’s attitude toward its workers isn’t in that spirit at all. That’s why members were keen to disrupt a significant charter programme like Sunday.”

PSA Organiser Brenden Sheehan says TVNZ needs to realise industrial action won’t stop until the company comes up with a fair offer.

“These members are organised and are taking action calculated to put pressure on TVNZ’s management, they’re basically determined to get a decent deal.”

Union members are asking for a 5% pay rise and for the retention of their extra week service leave. TVNZ is offering 2.25% - effectively a pay cut after increases in the cost of living are taken into account.

ENDS

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