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TVNZ staff started another strike just before 9am this morning, the latest in a series of stoppages.
Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and Public Service Association unionised workers are taking action in a pay dispute.
Last night another lightning strike disrupted TV One's late news, stopping live-crosses from New York and Auckland and knocking a scheduled story off the bulletin.
The latest action follows a vote by workers to escalate the strike action and start a welfare fund which will be used to support members who have lost wages during the dispute, the unions said.
EPMU Organiser Rachel Mackintosh said this showed they were in for the long haul. She said: "Members are dismayed that TVNZ has failed to stick by its purported Kiwi values of community and caring so they've started a welfare fund which shows their own values include sticking together and looking after each other."
The unions are seeking a 5 per cent pay rise and additional annual leave. TVNZ has offered 2.25 per cent.
TVNZ spokesman Robin Field said he didn't think viewers would have noticed the disruption yesterday, and today's strike wouldn't affect impact the midday news bulletin .
The broadcaster was offering a 2.25 per cent increase, and an "additional increment" based on individual performance, he said.
- NZHERALD STAFF, NZPA
