TVNZ faces escalating industrial action following yesterday's 12-hour strike that forced the Good Morning show off the air.
The Crown-owned company apologised to viewers after it pulled the two-hour lifestyle show, usually broadcast live on weekdays from its Avalon studio in Wellington.
It screened "back-up" shows instead, including
a Piha Rescue repeat.
"It's our priority to keep to the normal programming schedule and to reduce any impact on viewers," said TVNZ spokesman Robin Field.
TVNZ workers represented by the Public Service Association and Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union have held lightning strikes for almost a month after contract negotiations failed.
PSA organiser Brenden Sheehan said the industrial action would escalate after an attempt at mediation on Monday failed.
The unions accused TVNZ of using illegal strike breakers and intimidation of union members. Mr Sheehan said they planned to take personal grievance action on behalf of three "high-profile" TVNZ workers and a "general action against the strike-breaking and against the threats and intimidation" in the Employment Court.
One personal grievance would involve veteran cameraman Vaughan Scott, who was recalled from covering the All Blacks tour of France after he took part in industrial action.
"We are certainly alleging that that was highly illegal," said Mr Sheehan.
The unions were seeking a 5 per cent pay rise for members and increased holiday entitlements for long-serving staff.
TVNZ had offered a 2.25 per cent pay rise with an additional, performance-based increment. Workers were frustrated by the offer after seeing past golden handshakes and huge pay packets for some staff, such as Judy Bailey's $800,000.
About 28 per cent of TVNZ's 1200 employees were union members but several had left during the negotiations, including Sunday presenter and reporter Cameron Bennett.
Mr Bennett declined to give details about his decision but said it was a "complex matter" and wasn't a result of employer pressure.
"Obviously there are pressures here but there's a combination of reasons."
