Better job security and more flexible leave options won for ABC employees

Employees of the national broadcaster will get increased job security and more leave flexibility thanks to a new union-negotiated workplace agreement.

The new three year agreement negotiated for ABC employees by the MEAA (Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance) together with the CPSU (Community and Public Sector Union) provides a 9.5 per cent pay rise with 3.5 per cent being backdated from July 1.

This is followed by 3 per cent rise next year and then 2.5 per cent in the final year with an additional 0.5 per cent ‘non-recurring allowance.

The deal will benefit 4,800 ABC employees and also takes into account the changing nature of many positions due to operational changes in the organisation.

“One of the most significant elements of this negotiation has been the explicit ability to review employees’ positions and consider their multi-skilling efforts” said Louise Connor, Victorian Branch Secretary, MEAA

“As the media platform evolves from just television or radio to a more even spread which now incorporates online, our members are asked to have knowledge and skills in more than one aspect of the business.

“This means they should be remunerated accordingly,” she said.

ABC’s strategic move towards digital broadcasting has also contributed to widespread usage of outsourcing, which in turn has seen the ABC rely heavily on fixed term contract employees.

“We are optimistic that the new Agreement can deliver two very important things to ABC staff; more opportunities to develop their skills and experience and progress within the organisation, something especially important in the digital age, and providing more opportunities to create ongoing positions thereby limiting casualisation of the ABC workforce." Said Sinddy Ealy, National ABC organiser.

Employees who have been working casually for over four years now have the right to request on-going permanent employment.

ABC employees who are covered by the workplace agreement are also eligible to cash in their leave or ask for it in combination with actual time off work.

Both unions and the ABC have been pleased with the negotiated outcomes calling them fair and reasonable.