ABC managing director Hugh Marks has been urged to retract “utterly offensive” comments after he described staff taking industrial action as “a bit of a game”. The remarks came just hours before the end of a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, the first at the broadcaster in 20 years.
Speaking on Thursday morning, Marks said while he was not aware of any future planned strikes, smaller forms of protected action felt like “a bit of a game” to him. “I don’t think this is a game. I think this is really serious,” he added, stressing that audiences were suffering.
ABC journalist Michael Slezak, co-chair of the MEAA ABC national house committee, called the comments “utterly offensive” and demanded a retraction. “The suggestion that ABC staff want to hurt audiences is beyond offensive. It’s outrageous,” Slezak said.
The strike, involving over 2,000 staff from the MEAA and CPSU unions, forced ABC to broadcast BBC News and pre-recorded programmes. Staff are protesting a low pay offer of 10% over three years, which they say is below inflation, as well as concerns over job security and the use of short-term contracts.
Marks defended the offer, claiming a $1,000 sweetener put staff ahead of inflation at 4.4%. He warned that higher pay would mean job cuts, as staff costs account for 60% of the ABC budget. The dispute is set for a Fair Work Commission hearing on 30 March.
