Radio 2EA Workers in action for jobs
By Bruce Marlowe
SYDNEY — "Restructuring" has struck again. This time the potential victims are about 300 workers at the Special Broadcasting Service's Radio 2EA, migrant languages radio for New South Wales.
The workers walked out on September 9 after the sacking of 30 of their number, members of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance. The workers were told to reapply for their jobs when they were advertised in the papers!
The strikers have put up a picket outside 2EA's Bondi Junction studios and have already received support from other media workers. They are demanding an end to the sackings, an independent inquiry into 2EA's budget, a halt to restructuring and an adequate redundancy package for those prepared to go.
Redundancy payments for those already sacked have been pitiful: two French language workers with 17 years' at 2EA got $800.
Behind the dispute lies a management project to "professionalise" SBS operations. This means getting rid of many of those who have kept some of the station's 60-odd language programs going on a semi-voluntary basis. It means replacing those who have seen their work as a community service with a new breed of media "professionals", hopefully compliant with the aims of SBS management.
So far, the SBS bosses are making heavy weather of their campaign. The workers' picket is solid, and the Industrial Relations Commission has refused to order a return to work.
Contributions to the striking workers can be sent to the MEAA, 403 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills 2010, or taken direct to the picket line at 55 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction.