TVNZ staff to walk off job for an hour

More than 300 union members at TVNZ were due to walk off the job at 11am today to discuss a pay offer.

Meetings are scheduled in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland for members of the Public Service Association and Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.

TVNZ has offered a 2.25 per cent rise plus performance based increments.

The unions are seeking 5 per cent and additional annual leave.

TVNZ spokesman Robin Field said there were contingency plans in place and the broadcaster did not anticipate the walkout causing any disruptions to the programming schedule.

PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said the work stoppage had come after negotiations with TVNZ and mediated assistance from the Department of Labour had failed.

EPMU national secretary Andrew Little said all industrial action could be stopped by TVNZ offering a fair pay deal and better annual leave provisions.

TVNZ employees about 1200 staff across the country.

- NZPA