News

Media Release – 40 fire stations across Sydney on strike

September 8, 2011

Hundreds of professional firefighters will take strike action tomorrow across Sydney in protest at State Government plans to slash public sector wages and conditions.

The firies will rally outside St Mary’s Cathedral at 11-30 tomorrow morning before marching to join the Unions NSW rally in The Domain.

Fire protection for much of tomorrow will be restricted to 000 calls only.

Fire Brigade Employees Union NSW State Secretary Jim Casey said that the industrial action was about ordinary working people standing up for their rights.

“Professional firefighters are placed in an impossible position by these new state laws.  The choice has become to take a pay cut or see a cut in fire protection for the citizens of this state.”

“Firefighters are not highly paid workers and have mortgages and families the same as everyone else.  We cannot afford to take a real wage cut and it is not a reasonable ask of workers who are very committed to what they do.”

“Firefighters in NSW will campaign against these laws up until the next state election and beyond if necessary, along with the rest of the trade union movement.”

“I expect a very strong turnout at our rally and march tomorrow.”

Media enquiries please call Jim Casey on 0419 267 555.