Fed: Radio National on strike over claims of mismanagement

AAP General News (Australia)
12-10-2003
Fed: Radio National on strike over claims of mismanagement

SYDNEY, Dec 10 AAP - ABC's Radio National was shut down today as staff went on strike
for 24 hours, claiming mismanagement of the station.

Program presenters, producers, researchers and technical staff walked out just before
9am (AEDT) after unsuccessful attempts to discuss concerns with management last week.

The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) ABC secretary Graeme Thomson said three
people in the station's specialist program-making unit had been made redundant recently.

"Management are using that as a Trojan horse," Mr Thomson said.

"They're trying to break down the specialist production unit and are seeking to introduce
pools of people with no specialist background and knowledge, who can make anything.

"The heart of Radio National has been its specialist output and that's being fundamentally
attacked by short-sighted and mediocre managers interested only in exercising managerial
control."

The move was "an extraordinary show of disrespect to ABC audiences", he added.

A spokesman for Radio National confirmed the strike was on but said management and
staff were "continuing negotiations" this week.

He refused to comment on the allegation of mismanagement.

Radio National staff today called for an urgent meeting with ABC managing director
Russell Balding to discuss their concerns.

"They're now saying if the managing director isn't prepared to meet they will consider
further industrial action," Mr Thomson said.

"I've never seen such a deep sense of frustration - this isn't about money, it's about
them trying to protect excellence in programming because that's what fires these people
up."

Those tuning into Radio National during the 24-hour strike period will hear only classical
music being played on a loop.

Programming is expected to return to normal from 9am (AEDT) tomorrow.

AAP kbw/maur/bwla

KEYWORD: ABC

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