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ABC staff in tears after learning of ‘redundancy pools’

100 ABC staff were advised they fall within pools earmarked for possible redundancy.

abcsSome 100 ABC staff were advised they fall within pools earmarked for possible redundancy, yesterday.

Some were in tears yesterday after learning they are in pools with similarly skilled colleagues. According to Fairfax Media, they include journalist with up to 20 years experience, including some who had worked on the siege this week.

The Fair Work Commission on Monday recommended that staff should be notified of their potential redundancy by the close of business on Wednesday.

Staff who are willing to take redundancy have until 5pm on Friday to accept the offer, while others will consult with managers into the new year.

“Coming into Christmas, it is breathtaking in its brutality,” said the husband of one journalist.

“She feels like she has been treated with contempt.

“There was no recognition of all the work she has done or her achievements.”

An ABC spokeswoman said: “By the end of today, most of the approximately 100 staff who are in that situation will know, while more than 200 others will also know that they are not affected, which will give them certainty.

“It is important to note that, for those 100 who are potentially redundant, consultation continues and none of them will be leaving straight away unless they want to.”

The pools pitting colleague against colleague have been likened to The Hunger Games.

3 Responses

  1. Fairly cold attitude there, Dr Rudi.

    Some people love their jobs and workplaces. There is an inevitable grieving process when such brutality is encountered – particularly for those who have never experienced it before.

    There is still room for compassion, support and career counselling in the midst of corporate downsizing.

  2. Having been through a number of redundancy exercises; and got the bullet twice, I’m sympathetic.

    Having been through a number of redundancy exercises; and got the bullet twice, harden up you people. You’d think this had never happened to anyone else before. Of course your 12 years of hard work isn’t recognised (it never was before, why should it be recognised now?). Of course people run from the room in tears. Of course you are pitted against colleagues in merit interviews to see who survives. I am dumbfounded that staff in the ABC appear to be ignorant that this is how it is.

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