NSW: SBS workers strike after breakdown in pay talks

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NSW: SBS workers strike after breakdown in pay talks

SYDNEY, April 10 AAP - About 200 SBS radio and television staff have gone on strikeafter a breakdown in pay talks.

Several hundred staff are setting up a picket outside the SBS Sydney headquarters inArtarmon from midday.

They have refused to return to work until 11pm (AEST).

Unions covering technical staff and reporters said the action would have a severe impacton news and current affairs shows later today.

The latest industrial action follows a walkout by studio operators on Saturday, whichsaw SBS replace its World News and Sports programs.

Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) assistant national secretary Mark Ryansaid about 200 staff from the radio and television morning shift had walked off the jobtoday.

He said the afternoon shift was expected to join the action.

"News and current affairs shows will be impacted," he said.

Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) national organiser Paul Ingwersen said thestrike was expected to affect news, the production of Dateline and the Movie Show.

Mr Ingwersen said five months of negotiations had left staff completely frustratedwith SBS management.

"SBS are offering a low 11 per cent wage increase over three years," he said.

"They also want to increase the length of temporary employment for staff from threeto five years."

He said unions wanted a 14 per cent pay rise, severance pay for long-term temporaryemployees, a 25 per cent casual loading and a prohibition on solo camera crews.

Mr Ingwersen said camera crews, technical staff, studio staff and editorial staff hadwalked off the job.

Comment was being sought from SBS.

AAP nd/ph/bwl

KEYWORD: SBS STRIKE LEAD