EPMU/PSA Joint Media release

31 January 2007

TVNZ restructure concerns unions

If TVNZ is serious about providing quality programming they will not make redundancies to their news and production staff, say the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and the Public Service Association.

The unions are concerned the rumoured redundancies will adversely affect members and TVNZ's ability to meet its Charter obligations.

EPMU National Secretary Andrew Little says that while he does not believe frontline jobs are in danger the union has had no information from the Crown Owned Company about their restructuring plan.

"At the moment we are assuming that any redundancies will be made at the managerial level rather than out of our membership because the company has not contacted us and we'd expect any proposal to cut operational staff would involve union consultation.

"As it stands we can't see any way TVNZ could make redundancies to frontline staff without seriously affecting their ability to deliver to Charter standards, especially at a time when they are preparing extra digital channels."

PSA National Secretary Brenda Pilott says the unions are currently trying to get answers from the Crown Owned Company.

"We have requested an urgent meeting with TVNZ management and will be expressing our grave concern about both the announcement and the lack of consultation or engagement with us around the whole process.

"We will be seeking a commitment from TVNZ to work with the PSA and the EPMU over the development and implementation of any staff changes. It would seem to us that cutting staff is not conducive to providing a quality broadcast service."

The two unions cover more than 300 TVNZ workers between them including journalists, production staff and presenters.

ENDS

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