• ABC journalists initiate a strike over pay and job security for the first time in 20 years.
• The strike disrupts live programming, leading to content substitution from BBC.
• Union demands include better pay that reflects inflation and limits on AI use.
• The majority rejected a pay offer of a 10% increase over three years, viewing it as inadequate.
• In the wake of the strike, management expresses concern amid global events.

More than 2,000 journalists at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) went on strike for 24 hours starting Wednesday, marking the broadcaster's first strike in two decades. This action stems from unresolved issues surrounding pay and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their jobs, according to BBC, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.

The strike commenced at 11:00 a.m. local time, leading to a significant disruption in live programming, which was replaced by pre-recorded shows and content from the BBC. ABC staff had previously rejected a proposed pay increase of 10% over three years and a one-off $1,000 bonus for ongoing and fixed-term employees, as they deemed it below inflation. "ABC staff are taking this step because they want fair pay that keeps up with the cost of living," said Erin Madeley, the union's chief executive, according to BBC and Reuters.

Unions representing ABC staff have been vocal about their demands for better job security amid fears of AI redundancy. About one-third of ABC's 4,500 employees are unionized, with many calling for protections against short-term contracts and inadequate pay that fails to reflect the rising cost of living. "This is a below-inflation pay offer; that is just a pay cut with better branding," stated Michael Slezak, co-chair of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Management has indicated that the pay offer was the best they could afford, emphasizing that it reflects financial responsibility given the current economic climate. Hugh Marks, ABC's managing director, described the strike as "very unfortunate," stating, "It is not a great time for our teams to be out. There are a lot of things happening in the world," according to BBC and Reuters.