Journalists at Australia's national broadcaster to strike over pay and possible use of AI
#Australia #national broadcaster #journalists #strike #pay #AI #artificial intelligence
📌 Key Takeaways
- Journalists at Australia's national broadcaster are planning to strike.
- The strike is primarily over pay disputes.
- Concerns about the possible use of AI in journalism are also a key issue.
- The action highlights tensions between staff and management over working conditions and technological change.
Staff at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will strike for the first time in 20 years.
🏷️ Themes
Labor Dispute, AI in Media
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Original Source
Journalists at Australia's national broadcaster to strike over pay and possible use of AI 22 minutes ago Share Save Lana Lam Sydney Share Save Hundreds of journalists will walk off the job at Australia's national broadcaster on Wednesday over pay, conditions and the possible use of AI to replace them. It will be the first time staff at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation have gone on strike in 20 years after a majority of union members rejected a pay offer that was below inflation. Flagship shows such as the 7.30 evening current affairs programme and its breakfast shows on Thursday will not go ahead, with reruns, pre-programmed shows and BBC content to plug the gap. ABC management said the pay offer "reflects the maximum level" it can "sustainably provide" but unions want greater job security and limits on the use of AI. Staff plan to strike from 11:00 local time (00:00 GMT) on Wednesday and not return to work for 24 hours. Large gatherings are expected at the ABC's main offices in offices in Sydney and Melbourne, with participants to wear black. Radio programmes such as Triple J and ABC Classic are expected to have limited live elements and play music only. The ABC employs more than 4,400 people with about 2,000 staff in news, its largest division. Staff were offered a staggered 10% pay rise over three years with a 3.5% bump in the first year, following by 3.25% in the two years after. Australia's annual inflation rate was 3.8% in January. Staff were also offered a one-off $1,000 bonus but this would not be for casual staff. The offer was rejected by 60% of union members who voted, with a majority agreeing to take industrial action. Staff also want higher rates for night work, better career progression and less reliance on short-term contracts. There is also anger at the broadcaster's refusal to rule out replacing some staff with AI. "ABC staff don't want to strike - they want to do their jobs," said Erin Madeley, chief executive from the Media, Entertainment &...
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