RTE’s decision to not implement their planned outsourcing of children’s programmes until January came just hours after a memo was sent around to staff suggesting a protest against The Late Late Toy Show might take place.
The national broadcaster has been in talks with trade union officials ever since it announced it would be outsourcing young people’s programming earlier this week.
The talks resulted in the station agreeing to extend the contracts of staff effected by the move to January 31.
The Sunday Independent obtained a memo that indicated a protest against The Late Late Toy Show could be on the cards.
“It is envisaged that withdrawal from the requirements of these agreements and protests targeting The Late Late Toy Show will be on the cards if the decision to outsource YPP is not reversed,” said the memo.
Speaking about the memo, Siptu’s campaigns and equality organiser Karan O’Loughlin said there was no specific threat made towards the annual Christmas show and criticised the timing of RTE’s recent revelation.
“It is fair to say there was no specific threat made by either party but the Toy Show is a core part of what RTE does for children.” she told the Sunday Independent.
“I think there is an understanding on their side that the announcement to cease production of children’s programming a week before a key plank of their children’s programming does not sit well.”
RTE will meet trade union officials tomorrow to finalise the details of outsourcing young people’s programming.
