HUNDREDS OF RTÉ staff members have voted in favour of a “preventive” ballot for industrial action if management proceeds with further outsourcing of production or roles at the broadcaster.

Members of trade union Siptu employed at RTÉ voted by a margin of 85% to 15% in favour of the action.

The union says the result gives it a mandate to move to industrial action if RTÉ continues on its current strategy, which it claims risks undermining in-house production and public service broadcasting.

Siptu represents around 600 staff across RTÉ, including studio technicians, camera, sound and lighting crews, make-up artists and actors.

“This strong ballot result demonstrates the determination of Siptu members in RTÉ to defend public service broadcasting while also ensuring that workers’ voices are heard and respected,” said Siptu Services Divisional Organiser Adrian Kane.

He warned that if management continues with outsourcing plans, industrial action would follow.

“Unfortunately, if management continues on its current course, it is clear our members will engage in industrial action to protect the future of the station,” he said.

The ballot follows long-running tensions over RTÉ’s “New Direction” strategy, a five-year plan introduced at the broadcaster last year which involves increased use of independent production companies and changes to staffing structures.

In February, Siptu members passed a vote of no confidence in the strategy, while members of the National Union of Journalists also rejected it in a separate vote in March.

Siptu has argued that the approach would lead to the “endless outsourcing of jobs” and weaken RTÉ’s role as a public service broadcaster, “destroying its critical role in Irish society”.

In April, Siptu called for RTÉ to return to being primarily an in-house production organisation, alongside proposals including reopening its documentary unit, expanding its archive access, and reforming governance structures.

RTÉ has defended its strategy, saying it is necessary to adapt to major changes in audience behaviour and the wider media market.

A spokesperson said the plan was developed following extensive consultation with staff and stakeholders, and that “the vast majority of staff supported the need for RTÉ to evolve” during that process.

The broadcaster added that it remains open to engagement with unions.

“We continue to remain available to meet with the unions, as we have done, to progress these and other relevant issues,” a spokesperson said.

RTÉ has also pointed to the need to modernise its operations, invest in digital platforms, and meet statutory requirements for independent production spending, while ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable.

“We would again ask Siptu members, which parts of the strategy they disagree with,” the spokesperson said.

“For example: Should RTÉ not be smaller and financially sustainable for the future?”