ABC staff launch 24-hour strike over pay and AI job fears
Journalists and staff at Australia's national broadcaster, ABC, will stage a 24-hour strike from 11am on Wednesday. The walkout follows a vote in which 60% of participating employees rejected management's latest pay offer. It marks the first major strike at the ABC in years.
The dispute centres on pay rises below inflation, job security, and concerns over artificial intelligence replacing roles. Workers also raised issues with night-shift penalties and reproductive health leave.
The strike won strong backing, with 90% of voting Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) members supporting the action. Non-media staff joined the rejection, citing similar frustrations over pay and working conditions.
ABC employs around 4,400 people, with 2,000 in its news division—the largest section of the organisation. The union warned that below-inflation pay and insecure contracts threaten the future of public-interest journalism. Experienced journalists, in particular, face heavier workloads and fewer opportunities for pay progression.
Management's final offer failed to address key concerns, including job security and the potential for AI to replace human roles. The strike is expected to disrupt live television and radio broadcasts.
ABC remains one of Australia's most-visited platforms, ranking as the 11th most used website—even ahead of Netflix. However, staff argue that years of cost-cutting have left them stretched thin, with many on short-term contracts and limited career advancement.
The 24-hour strike will begin at 11am on Wednesday, affecting ABC's live programming. Staff have made clear their demands: fair pay rises, better job security, and improved working conditions. The outcome of the dispute could shape the future of journalism at Australia's public broadcaster.
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