Statement by Séamus Dooley, NUJ Irish Secretary, on changes announced by new RTÉ director general
NUJ welcomes promise of new beginning at RTÉ.
The Irish Secretary of the National Union of Journalists has welcomed the decision of the new director general Kevin Bakhurst to stand down the Executive Board and to put in place an interim leadership team at the organisation.
Séamus Dooley expressed the hope that Mr Bakhurst’s initiative would mark “the beginning of a new beginning for an organisation which has been devoid of leadership for a number of years.”
He said:
“Our members at RTÉ will be considering the implication of this statement today. We await details of the interim leadership team but the decision to stand down the current Executive Board is a good start. In the interest of transparency, it will be necessary to clarify the cost of any re-structuring.
“We met Mr Backhurst on Friday with the RTÉ Trade Union Group and were heartened by his very specific commitment to working with trade unions as he seeks to re-build the trust of staff, government, and the public.
“The NUJ will work with Mr Backhurst and sister unions in discussions on the new register of interest. Many of the issues which have arisen could have been addressed if existing policies were promoted and enforced across the organisation.
“Editorial standards must be applied equally and applied to all staff and contractors regardless of the nature of their engagement with RTÉ. Consistency must be the cornerstone of all policies.
“We note Mr Backhurst’s intention to establish a staff consultation group, which will complement the current industrial relationship structures and we look forward to full engagement in the design of this process.
“The Dublin Broadcasting branch and the RTÉ sub branch has long been seeking a changing in relation to the culture at RTÉ. Recognition of the need for such change is welcome.
“We especially welcome his commitment to a review of pay and the issue of gender equality. We need action on this issue as a matter of priority. What we do not need is endless circular conversations.
“The ‘computer says no’ mentality which has characterised much of our engagement with management in recent years much be replaced by genuine engagement.”