EPMU and PSA joint media release

20th November 2006

TVNZ mediation failure leads to legal action

Today's mediation between the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, the Public Service Association and TVNZ has failed after the company refused to produce an offer that was acceptable to union members.

The collapse of mediation comes after nearly a month of strike action by union members and the broadcaster now faces legal action over a range of tactics that the Unions believe to be in breach of the Employment Relations Act.

EPMU Organiser Rachel Mackintosh says the Crown Owned Company's attitude is astounding. "TVNZ are refusing to recognise the significant ill-will they are generating by mistreating their staff this way. This is the kind of cowboy behaviour you just don't expect from a taxpayer-owned company."

PSA Organiser Brenden Sheehan says TVNZ can expect to see a strong reaction to the breakdown of mediation. "Our membership had hoped TVNZ would come to its senses once a mediator got involved but an outcome like this will just increase their resolve to escalate their industrial action."

The unions cover over 300 TVNZ members between them and there have been fourteen lightning strike actions so far.

ENDS

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