Fear further union action will impact TVNZ programmes

Industrial action could affect TVNZ programmes without warning if the state-owned broadcaster fails to offer workers a better pay deal, union officials say.

The Public Service Association and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union want a five per cent pay rise and an additional week of annual leave.

The company is offering a 2.25 per cent increase, and no additional leave.

Staff at TVNZ in Auckland discussed the offer at a one-hour work stoppage today.

PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said TVNZ would have to make a more realistic offer in order to avoid further industrial action.

"The kind of action (that could be taken) could take place anywhere and at any time. It's likely there will be an element of surprise in that action."

The programmes which would be most affected would be the ones with the most New Zealand content, Mr Wagstaff said.

"The (offer) is not in keeping with other offers in the industry, or with cost of living increases, and it doesn't reflect the value of the work being done."

EPMU organiser Rachel Mackintosh said staff would be voting today on whether to accept the offer, but most were "appalled" by what was effectively a pay cut.

"The offer is well below inflation. Also, the failure to offer the additional leave has upset staff, whose loyalty and dedication should be recognised by maintaining the extra week," Ms Mackintosh said.

The company's public affairs manager Megan Richards said it was doing everything it could to ensure programming remained as normal during the stoppage.

TVNZ has previously given workers an extra week of annual holiday on top of its legislative requirements.

Ms Richards said TVNZ believed the offer was fair and reasonable.

It included a baseline increase with a provision for a performance bonus on top.

"We're still open to continuing negotiations. Our priority is to protect our key programmes and keep normal programming on air. We'll be making every effort to reduce the impact on viewers, and the risk to the business," she said.

More than 300 staff at TVNZ in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are union members, including presenters, producers, camera people and technicians.

- NZPA