RT╔ has told unions the 150 redundancies it is seeking will be voluntary and it will be paying increases due under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The second phase of the PPF, worth 5.5 per cent, is due next week.
The national broadcasting station has also told unions that detailed cutbacks contained in its restructuring package to save £23.4 million are negotiable.
SIPTU branch secretary Mr Jimmy Jordan has welcomed the company's assurances but was sceptical about both sides concluding an agreement by the company deadline of the end of the year. "Difficult talks lie ahead, particularly in relation to plans to eliminate outside broadcasting units and construction workshops", he said. These areas account for about half of the redundancies being sought.
Whether it is possible to achieve job cuts of 150 on a voluntary basis remains to be seen. The unions complain RT╔ management has failed to implement fully productivity measures conceded last year when 330 jobs were shed.
The station has already decided not to close any of its stations, although it is to reduce production by about 200 hours a year.