Scale of potential redundancies at RTE shocking

Labour spokesperson on arts and media Marie Sherlock has expressed her shock at the potential scale of workforce reductions to be announced by RTÉ.

Senator Sherlock said:

“While we await to get a full picture of the RTÉ plan tomorrow, reports that RTÉ is set to make such a dramatic reduction in its workforce will be deeply shocking not only to those who rely on and enjoy RTÉ, but predominantly for the workers at RTÉ who have all experienced an immensely turbulence time working for the broadcaster in recent months.

“Our thoughts are with all RTÉ workers who are no doubt at a loss for words at this news. Throughout the past few months, we have heard from many RTÉ workers about their stretched capacity and the difficulties they are facing in terms of ensuing fully operational teams. Cutting workers does not seem like the silver bullet management seem to think it is.

“The apparent scale of the reductions leaves a question mark over RTÉ’s commitment not just to news and current affairs, but also to sport, entertainment, the arts, music and an Gaeilge.

“RTÉ has long been an important institution for talented people in Ireland to make their break onto the national, and later international, stage. Ensuring that RTÉ can continue to support artists will be vital into the future.

“Management at RTÉ will have to demonstrate that the broadcaster will be able to fulfil its remit and obligations under such a reduced operation. With one fifth of staff being at risk of redundancy, Labour will be seeking a detailed plan and strategy from RTÉ on how it intends to operate on this much smaller scale.

“It goes without saying that any redundancies will have to be voluntary. It is slightly ironic that this news comes as RTÉ continues to deal with the fall out of historic redundancy processes.

“We await the publication of the plan in full, but reports are this stage are deeply concerning into the future viability of our national broadcaster that many of us rely on.”