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Union members at TVNZ took lightning strike action early today resulting in an abrupt change of newsreader and the loss of a camera.
Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and Public Service Association members walked off the job at 6.35am, the fourth time workers have taken action.
It comes after TVNZ's refusal to offer a five per cent pay increase and fix issues with service leave, according to the unions, which represent more than 300 workers at the broadcaster.
EPMU national secretary Andrew Little said the answer to the disruption was simple.
"Pressure on management will only get worse until the company comes back to the table with a decent offer -- it's not that hard to figure out," he said.
EPMU organiser Rachel Mackintosh said the action was very successful.
"Hopefully the senior managers who are scrambling to cover this work will start to realise that TVNZ workers deserve a decent pay increase rather that the current below-inflation offer."
PSA organiser Brenden Sheehan said union members just wanted a fair deal.
"It's vital to our members that their hard earned service leave is maintained and their loyalty and dedication to the company is properly recognised."
TVNZ communications adviser Robin Field said he did not know how many staff had walked off the job, but that everyone was back at work by 8.45am.
Programme scheduling was unaffected by the action, he said.
Reports that extra advertising screened as a result of the strike were incorrect, Mr Field said.
- NZPA
