RTÉ Statement: RTÉ/TUG Stability Agreement

RTÉ and the RTÉ Trade Union Group have concluded discussions aimed at improving the financial stability of RTÉ. While COVID-19 has had a significant impact on RTÉ revenues, and some costs, the financial challenges facing RTÉ remain acute. These challenges must continue to be addressed if RTÉ is to continue to play an important role as Ireland’s public service media and provide vital news, information, entertainment and support to the public.

In this context, a series of proposals to reduce personnel-related costs will be put forward for ballot to support RTÉ’s previously announced plans to reduce costs by €60m over three years, including:

1. A Voluntary Exit Scheme which will be announced in the coming weeks.
2. Reductions in staff pay.
3. Reductions in staff allowances.
4. Reductions in salary protection and sick pay, in line with public service levels.
5. Standardisation of leave.

RTÉ Director General, Dee Forbes said: “As the RTÉ/TUG Stability Agreement recognises upfront, RTÉ is experiencing ongoing financial difficulties that require immediate measures to ensure our continued viability. I am very conscious that measures that affect the pay and conditions of all staff are difficult, particularly at this time. But they are necessary as part of a series of measures to return RTÉ to a sustainable financial position. I believe the measures are proportionate and fair and crucially, as the Agreement states, they reflect RTÉ’s continued commitment to the principles of protecting employment, content and output.”

This agreement would commence from 1st May 2021 and will remain in force until 30th April 2023, unless otherwise agreed by both parties. The above adjustments will then be restored to the level that applied immediately before the commencement of the agreement. The parties will meet to review this agreement not later than 1st May 2022.

Read the agreement in full here.

Ends