Aussie Interviewers in 'Fantasy Land' Says Pollster

Australian Liberal Party polling guru Mark Textor has found himself in the middle of a dispute over interviewer pay after apparently sending a strongly worded email.

In the leaked email 'rant' (his own word), reported in www.theage.com.au , Textor said telephone interviewers were 'living in an economic fantasy land' and that with 'the economy about to be completely roggered (sic)... there aint no room for these sorts of (pay) claims.'

Comments added to the email by colleagues voiced agreement with Textor's view, portraying interviewing as 'an increasingly cushy job, offering great pay and luxurious conditions', according to The Age.

Around ten thousand MR workers have rejected an initial pay offer of an 8% pay rise over three years by the Association of Market and Social Research Organisations. ACTU President Sharan Burrow said interviewers were paid $21 an hour and deserved a pay rise above the cost of living, adding: 'If the current financial turmoil does lead to an economic downturn we would hope employers show a little more compassion towards their staff than Mr Textor.'

AMSRO is online at www.amsro.com.au .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.