Maori TV's union employees are on strike and picketing outside of the station's studios

They say they have suffered humiliating treatment in pay negotiations.

E Tu Union says it was meant to be negotiating with the company in November,
but didn't hear anything by Christmas, and was told there was no extra money.

E Tu spokesman Joe Gallagher says it then learned non-union
members had been given bonuses and salary hikes.

He says respect and dignity are hugely important in Maoridom, and that move
hurt a lot of members.

Joe Gallagher says they were close to an agreement last week - but
negotiations again took a step back.