The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has welcomed “a major breakthrough” after a deal was reached for all staff at the Irish language service RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta to enjoy pay parity with journalists working in English language services.
The improved payment and conditions will come into effect from this September.
The three Irish language grades in RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta - Clár Reachtaire, Reachtaire Rúnaíochta Grade 1 and Reachtaire Rúnaíochta Grade 2 - will be brought in line with grades elsewhere in RTÉ.
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It follows a long-running campaign by the NUJ, SIPTU and RTÉ Group of Unions, and is in line with several media industry reports.
The NUJ’s Irish Secretary, Séamus Dooley, said: “This is a long overdue development. For years the NUJ has been demanding pay parity for our members at Raidió na Gaeltachta.
“The issue has dominated many debates at union conferences and we highlighted the unjust pay anomalies at every opportunity, including in our submission to the Future of Media Commission. Indeed in campaigning for a media commission, the situation of Raidió na Gaeltachta was highlighted.”
Welcoming the “pro-active approach from RTÉ's director general Kevin Backhurst, he said he was looking forward to implementing the new deal with management.
“This is a good day for Raidió na Gaeltachta and for the NUJ. It shows the power of persistence. It is regrettable that it has taken so long to recognise the equal contribution of Raidió na Gaeltachta broadcasters, who have shown themselves to be innovative, adaptable and totally committed,” he said.
The new grade classifications for Irish language sfaff will combine a range of journalistic and production skills and will only differ in title.
The NUJ added that the breakthrough was: a reminder of the important contribution made by Irish language journalists across RTÉ and the vital role of public service broadcasting in promoting the Irish language.”
