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RTÉ responds to gender pay gap and ‘secret bonuses’ speculation

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RTÉ has responded to speculation that here is a major gender pay gap in the national broadcasting service.

 

Yesterday, The Sunday Independent revealed that Sharon Ní Bheoláin earns €60,000 – €80,000 less than her male co-anchor Bryan Dobson.

 

'I believe that I am well remunerated, but, for the record, my pay is still considerably less than that of Bryan’s. I won’t be commenting further,' she said at the time. 

 

In response, RTÉ confirmed that a review of role and gender equality across the organisation will take place, and that details of the review will be announced 'soon.' 

The national broadcaster also responded to allegations that certain staff members were receiving 'secret bonuses.' 

 

'In response to a story in this morning's Irish Independent, RTÉ can clarify that it has not introduced ‘secret bonuses’ to RTÉ staff.'

 

'RTÉ introduced a series of cuts to staff pay as part of significant reform across the organisation from 2008 – 2013 which saw a reduction in operating costs of €130 million.'

 

'Pay restoration – reintroduced in 2015 – is based on binding agreements negotiated by the RTÉ Trade Union Group on behalf of RTÉ staff and followed this period of cuts to staff pay. Uniquely RTÉ was the only public body to voluntarily suspend and stop increments, stopping manager increments for some 4 years.'

'As agreed with the RTÉ Trade Union Group and as communicated to RTÉ staff in 2015, pay restoration is being introduced on a phased basis: 15pc was restored on 21 December 2015; a further 42.5pc was restored on 19 December, 2016; additional tranches of 21.25pc each were restored on June 30, 2017 and on December 18, 2017.'

 

'Increments apply within existing salary ranges, which are below the 2009 levels. These payments are not bonuses. RTÉ confirms that managers have not received bonuses or general pay increases.'

 

RTÉ has also confirmed that they will be publishing the salaries of their top 10 highest earning broadcasters very soon. 

IMPACT lead organiser Linda Kelly said: 'Pay gap reporting will help us by shining a light on the source of the inequity, so often expressed in ignorable national averages, in our offices, shops, factories and care settings.'

'It will put pressure on employers, forcing them to address the issue if they want to protect their reputations in an economy where brand value is ever more important.'

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