Journalists get 16.4% rise

Press, 16 December 1985, Page 13

Journalists get 16.4% rise

PA Wellington The New Zealand (except Northern) Journalists’ Union main daily award has been settled in Wellington with a base wage rise of 16.4 per cent and increases up to 27 per cent in some lower-paid grades. Most allowances increase 15.5 per cent but some rise up to 50 per cent. The settlement gives a $53 a week (gross) increase for a fifth-year (median rate) journalist. New provisions include a maternity leave extension from nine to 12 months, improved bereavement leave, and a clause for dealing with sexual harassment.

The issue of exemption from award coverage of

executive journalists remains unresolved and will be the subject of continuing discussions by an award sub-committee chaired by a conciliator, Mr Brian Gray. The union’s national secretary, Mr Tony Wilton, said the sub-committee would deal with the negotiations about the introduction of new technology. The two issues were inextricably linked, he said. The term of the award, which covers journalists south of Taupo, is 12 months from November 16, the expiry date of the old agreement.

The under-4000 award which covers smaller publications was settled with similar improvements. It will run from December 17 to December 9, 1986.