TVNZ Offers Staff Millennium Payments

"In a move announced to staff last week TVNZ has decided to recognise the personal disruption to staff who have to work over the Millennium. The issue is a real one for TVNZ as a "high tech" organisation and the associated Y2K risk (despite precautions), and as a news and entertainment organisation" says PSA Broadcast Media spokesperson Grant Duffy on behalf of staff.

"This decision from TVNZ recognises

* that TVNZ's Millennium activities, whether related to Y2K issues or the company's Millennium broadcast are going to cause personal disruption for many of it's staff, and

* at a time when the country will be celebrating, the need to keep TVNZ operating and meet its Millennium commitments removes from many sYear period."

"It is TVNZ's view that the continued goodwill of staff at this exceptional time should not be taken for granted and we welcome this attitude" says Grant Duffy.

The package announced is that in addition to what they are normally entitled

* all staff whose work periods substantially fall between the hours of 6pm on Friday 31st December and midnight January 1st will receive an additional payment of $375 gross (taxable) per completed work period to a maximum of $750 over that extended time (for someone who works two shifts), and

* In addition, all those whose work periods substantially fall between midnight Friday 31st December and midnight Sunday January 2nd will receive the benefits specified in their individual contracts that would normally accrue when working on a statutory holiday. In other words, they will be granted an extra day's holiday for Saturday and/or Sunday.

The arrangement applies to all staff at all levels who work over the period.

"TVNZ has taken a responsible attitude in relation to this issue of the Millennium and as a major employer of over 1200 staff offers a good example to other employers who will require staff to work over this special time" says Grant Duffy.

ENDS....

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