SIPTU members employed in RTÉ have expressed dismay and shock at the continuing stream of scandalous revelations of mismanagement emerging at the national broadcaster.
SIPTU Organiser, Martin Mannion, said: “Our members have looked on in horror as yet more cases of mismanagement have been revealed at the national broadcaster in recent days. The resignation of the chairperson of the RTÉ Board has left our members in shock and her replacement must be found as a matter of urgency so the leadership of our national broadcaster is not allowed to drift any further.
“Our members are angry that this saga continues to erode public trust in a key national institution. They want to get back to a full focus on producing high-quality public broadcasting.”
SIPTU Services Division Organiser, Teresa Hannick, said: “The vacuum within the leadership of RTÉ created by the resignation of the Board chairperson must be resolved immediately.
“Last year saw a threat to cut 400 jobs at the national broadcaster. It also saw commitments from RTÉ management that there would be full transparency relating to all governance issues. Now we find out about the payment of golden handshakes and revelations that staff members were also being employed on a freelance basis on projects paid for by the broadcaster.
“The uncertainty must end. What our members expect is full transparency and the creation of an action plan for the broadcaster which places a commitment to public service, which our members have always displayed, at its centre.”
She added: “We will continue to meet with our members in RTÉ regularly and relay their concerns to all stakeholders.”
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