TVNZ workers' strike action 'biggest in 30 years'

Television New Zealand staff walked off the job again yesterday in what has been described as the biggest action of its type at the company for 30 years.

Around 120 union members in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch picketed for an hour - including impromptu speeches from high-profile staff - in support of their claim for a 5 per cent pay rise and better annual-leave entitlements.

In Auckland, the workers waved placards and union flags and chanted slogans outside TVNZ's headquarters.

A long-time employee said the last time he saw similar scenes was in the 1970s.

Workers were frustrated at being offered a 2.25 per cent pay rise after seeing past golden handshakes and huge pay packets for some staff, such as former newsreader Judy Bailey's $800,000 contract.

Public Service Association (PSA) organiser Brenden Sheehan said yesterday's strike, timed to interfere with the midday news, followed a two-hour strike on Sunday that led to music videos screening in place of some motor-racing coverage.

"There will certainly be more over the coming weeks," said Mr Sheehan.

When asked if action would be timed to coincide with the 6 o'clock news he said: "Nothing's impossible."

The strikes followed three months of negotiations, he said.

TVNZ spokesman Robin Field said yesterday's strike did not disrupt programming.

He said about 28 per cent of the company's 1200 employees were union members and the company was happy to continue negotiations with strikers.

TVNZ had offered a 2.25 per cent pay increase, plus an additional, performance-based increment, he said.

The striking staff are members of the PSA and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EMPU) and include presenters, producers, administrators, camera people and technical support and scheduling.

The unions contacted members via text message, calling action 15 minutes before the strike.

Veteran reporter John Stewart, one of several workers who spoke during yesterday's rally, said he was at the scene of the bus crash in west Auckland when the text message arrived.

He walked off the job.

News reporter and presenter Ali Ikram also addressed the crowd.

Part of the unions' claim was for additional annual leave because long-term leave entitlements would be effectively wiped out when four weeks' leave becomes standard next year.

Mr Ikram, a PSA member, said the long-term leave arrangements recognised some of the company's most loyal staff.

"TV is a shallow business - this is the deep end."

Mr Sheehan said there was industrial action at TVNZ's Avalon studio late last year but those workers were on a separate agreement at the time.