ABC Journos Off the Floor for 24

Date: 15 March 2000

ABC journalists off the floor for 24

Journalists - all Alliance members - employed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation went on strike for 24 hours on Wednesday March 15.

The strike affected all news and current affairs programs on the ABC's TV, radio and on-line services.

Reports from around the nation during the strike action indicated strong support for sending a message of protest against ABC management's failure to negotiate a staff agreement in good faith.

Alliance members in some states took the opportunity to reinforce journalists' solidarity by planning activities on the day of strike action.

In Adelaide journalists joined together at the Adelaide Parklands to discuss the next stage of the national industrial campaign or took the road to the Barossa. Even the local programs were cut short in support of Adelaide ABC journalists' strike action.

The sentiment of Adelaide journalists has been very strong for taking industrial action against management's negotiating tactics during this enterprise campaign.

In Melbourne, journalists formed a picket line around the entrance of Southbank ABC officers and issued hand-outs which explained the reason for the strike action. This was meet with positive feedback from other ABC employees.

Later Melbourne journalists enjoyed a b-b-que at the Yarra to discuss the Alliance's industrial strategy.

Hobart journalists meet at a pub near the ABC and over beers and chips discussed future industrial plans for most of the afternoon. The mood of the gathering was very positive. A picket line was formed in the morning to greet other ABC workers.

Sydney journalists rallied together to talk about the next stage of the campaign over a b-b-que in the Alliance courtyard in Redfern. Entertainment was provided by ABC radio news bulletins.

In Darwin, journalists joined ranks at a late brunch event on the day to reinforce the solid support to protest against management's current proposals for a new agreement.

Regional journalists also showed their support by taking strike action also. In one case, a journalist made use of good weather to go fishing for the day.

CPSU members have expressed their support for their journalists colleagues by respecting a non-circumvention policy during the strike action.

For further information

Contact:	Cheryl Winstanley
Union:	MEAA
Phone:	9333 0947
Email:	cwinstan@meaa.aust.com
WWW:	http://www.alliance.aust.com/abc

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