The national broadcaster came under criticism from the NUJ (National Union of Journalists) earlier this week when a statement was published on the website calling for a review of pay and contracts at RTÉ.
Acting general Séamus Dooley specifically indicated this review was needed to address gender inequality. He also described however, the ongoing issue of pay disparities and offering different levels of pay for those working on a full-time and contract basis, who are completing the same job.
Séamus Dooley, Acting General, NUJ:
“There is a need for a review of employment practices in RTÉ. The pay gap highlighted in recent days is reflective of wider problems within RTÉ. We need an independent review of employment contracts to establish the extent of the gender pay gap across the organisation, not just among employees but between those engaged as contractors.
"The NUJ has particular concerns at the wide variety of contracts offered by RTÉ and for a number of years we have been demanding clarity on the rationale for offering people doing the exact same job different types of contracts. We have still not received a satisfactory explanation as to why some journalists are offered staff contracts and others are forced to accept self-employed contracts for service. There are no objective criteria and we do not accept that “editorial prerogative” is sufficient grounds for not treating workers equally.”
In its initial response, RTÉ reiterated the staff pay cuts required from 2008-13 as part of significant reform and the ensuing pay restoration plan introduced in 2015 based on binding agreements with the RTÉ Trade Union Group.
In addition to confirming the publication of fees paid to its top ten presenters for a number of years, the broadcaster also announced a review of gender equality would be taking place shortly. RTÉ’s Director of HR released another response this morning confirming this process is now in motion.
Eimear Cusack, Director of HR, RTÉ:
"I can confirm RTÉ has engaged Kieran Mulvey, former Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission, to provide an independent overview of the review process. Based on the review he will make recommendations as appropriate. We will be finalising the terms of reference of the review over the coming days."
