KEY POINTS:
TVNZ staff have walked off the job tonight, downing cameras and other tools of the trade for four hours.
Programming appeared to continue as normal.
The latest move to strike between 9pm and 1am follows a decision by Public Service Association (PSA) and Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union members to escalate industrial action at the broadcaster.
Union advocates today approached TVNZ to try and resolve the dispute but said representatives refused to improve the offer.
Members are seeking a 5 per cent pay increase and additional annual leave, but say TVNZ is offering a 2.25 per cent pay increase and no additional annual leave.
PSA organiser Brendan Sheehan said there could further action.
Union members are located in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and are presenters, producers, administrators, camera people and involved in technical support and scheduling. The dispute involves around 300 workers.
Staff have walked off the job several times since October 29, when rolling action was first implemented and briefly threatened the final of TV 2's NZ Idol final.
TVNZ said last week the company was happy to continue discussions with the striking workers and that every effort was being made during industrial action to keep to scheduled programming and mitigate any impact on viewers.
- NZPA
