“They should never have been pushed to this point.” ABC journos prepare to strike

As ABC journalists around the nation prepare to walk off the job for 24 hours, the union representing them has commended them for their bravery.

Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Chief Executive Erin Madeley says the decision to go on strike tomorrow (Wednesday, March 25^th) reflects deep frustration, following months of negotiations with ABC management.

Staff were informed that a majority of ABC workers had voted against the enterprise agreement (EA) offer. The ABC has roughly 4,500 staff and 75.6 per cent voted on the offer. Staff were told the tally was 395 votes short of the number required for the offer to be accepted

The outcome of the latest vote has triggered a protected 24-hour strike, beginning at 11am on Wednesday.

“I congratulate our brave members at the ABC for standing up for secure jobs, fair treatment and quality journalism,” said Madelay

“But they should never have been pushed to this point.”

The MEAA says ABC staff voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action in a bid to secure sustainable jobs, fair pay and improved working conditions, and to protect the quality news and programming Australians rely on.

The approved actions include unlimited stoppages of work, with exemptions in place to ensure emergency broadcasting continues.

“ABC staff are taking this step because they want fair pay that keeps up with the cost of living, genuine job security, and working conditions that allow them to continue serving the Australian public with integrity,” says Madeley (pictured above).

The MEAA says ABC staff had voted against a revised enterprise agreement offer from management which included limited improvements to job security but no increase to pay or key conditions compared with the previous offer.

It’s been 20 years since ABC journalists last went on strike.

This resulted in major disruption to TV and radio services in 2006, with Radio National and NewsRadio carrying BBC programming and then-Director of Radio Sue Howard reading the local traffic and weather reports.

Two decades on, Madeley says below‑inflation pay outcomes and ongoing insecure work threaten the future of public‑interest journalism.

“Experienced journalists and media workers are being asked to do more with less – with fewer opportunities for pay progression, less certainty about their future, and growing workloads.”

“This isn’t just a workforce issue. When skilled, experienced staff are forced out, communities lose trusted local voices, particularly in regional Australia where the ABC is often the only local newsroom.”

Madeley says that whilst staff have worked hard to minimise disruption – particularly to emergency broadcasting – unresolved workplace issues pose a greater long‑term risk.

“ABC staff don’t want to strike – they want to do their jobs. They want fair pay, secure work, and guardrails around the use of technologies like AI to protect editorial integrity and public trust.”

Madeley says MEAA is calling on ABC management to work with it to agree an offer that properly reflects the value of ABC staff and protects the future of Australia’s public broadcaster.

“Investing in the people behind the ABC is essential to protecting a public broadcaster that belongs to all Australians.”

The ABC will head to the Fair Work Commission to in a bid to resolve the bargaining agreement.

Images: ABC and MEAA