ABC Staff to Strike After Pay Negotiations Fail

Mon Mar 23 2026 20:40:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a historic move, staff at Australia's ABC will strike for the first time in two decades after rejecting a pay increase offer amidst rising inflation concerns.

ABC staff members are set to go on strike this Wednesday for the first time in 20 years after rejecting management's proposed 10% pay rise over three years. The decision follows a vote where 60% of staff rejected the offer, citing insufficient pay adjustments considering the current inflation rate of 3.8%. The unions involved have raised concerns regarding other conditions, including reproductive health leave and the potential use of AI in the workplace. The ABC plans to engage the Fair Work Commission to mediate the dispute.

Staff at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) will go on strike on Wednesday for the first time in 20 years, after rejecting management's offer for a pay rise. The 24-hour strike will commence at 11:00 AM local time (00:00 GMT) and is expected to cause interruptions in live television and radio broadcasts.

This decision comes after 60% of ABC staff voted against management's proposal of a total 10% pay increase over three years, which would mean 3.5% in the first year followed by 3.25% in the subsequent two years. Given that Australia recorded an annual inflation rate of 3.8% in January, employees feel the offer does not meet their financial needs.

The unions representing the staff have stated that the proposed increase is insufficient and have called attention to other pressing concerns, including provisions for reproductive health leave and the implications of artificial intelligence on job security. The ABC employs around 4,500 staff members, and about 75% participated in the vote on the proposed pay rise.

Michael Slezak, a representative of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), emphasized the need for a more favorable deal, stating, We can't accept a deal that cuts conditions, sends pay backwards against inflation and refuses to rule out replacing ABC journalists with AI bots. Additionally, Jocelyn Gammie from the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) pointed out that disruptions are likely unless a fair offer is presented. She noted the reluctance among union members to affect loyal audiences through program and service interruptions.

On the other hand, ABC managing director Hugh Marks defended the offer, saying it reflects a sustainable approach that balances the needs of the organization while considering its financial responsibilities. He indicated that the ABC would seek assistance from the Fair Work Commission, Australia's workplace tribunal, to help resolve the ongoing dispute.

The last instance of staff striking at the ABC occurred in 2006 over similar issues relating to pay and employment conditions.