ABC: Journalists at Australia's national broadcaster to strike over pay and possible use of AI
Hundreds of journalists at Australia’s national broadcaster are striking over pay and the potential use of AI, marking the first ABC walkout in 20 years. A majority of union members rejected a staggered 10% three-year offer, signaling broader concerns beyond the headline wage figure. The action targets job security, night-work rates, and editorial integrity amid fears AI could replace staff. Flagship programs will be replaced by reruns and pre-programmed content as unions push for guardrails around technology. The dispute moves to the Fair Work Commission as both sides seek a resolution and a safer, fairer workplace trajectory.
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The strike starts at 11:00 local time and lasts 24 hours, with large rallies expected at ABC offices in Sydney and Melbourne and participants wearing black.
ABC employs more than 4,400 people, including about 2,000 in news, its largest division, and the disruption will affect programs like 7.30 and breakfast slots, which will be replaced by reruns or BBC content.
The pay offer consisted of a staggered 10% rise over three years and a first-year 3.5% increase, plus a one-off $1,000 bonus that excludes casual staff; inflation in January was around 3.8%.
Unions argue for greater job security, higher night-work rates, and longer-term career progression, while opposing a potential AI-driven reduction of staff.
Union leaders emphasize the need to protect editorial integrity and public trust, with calls for clear safeguards on AI use; the broadcaster’s management says the proposal is financially sustainable and competitive within the industry.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks defended the offer as the maximum sustainable level, and the dispute will be taken to the Fair Work Commission to seek a resolution.