News

CODE RED – Urgent Union meeting re Waratah Closure

December 14, 2009

An urgent meeting of Union members, permanent and retained, who are stationed and/or living within MN1 will be held tomorrow Wednesday 16 December 2009 at No. 260 Station, Newcastle, commencing 1100 hrs.

The sole item of business on this meeting’s agenda will be to determine our Union’s response to the Department’s confirmation this week of the closure of Waratah Fire Station and the permanent relocation of its appliance and staff over 20kms away, at Toronto.

The Keneally Government’s decision to shut Waratah means Zone MN1 has lost a fire station, the Newcastle LGA has lost 20 permanent firefighters and the region has lost the opportunity for 20 additional (not relocated) jobs at Toronto. The new Premier last week promised that her Government “would focus on three things: jobs and investment; health, and transport and education”. So much for her focus on jobs, which appears to have gone the same way as this Government’s previous commitment to maintain front line services.

I recognise and apologise for the short notice, but nonetheless urge all members to join NSB Secretary Luke Russell and me tomorrow at this important meeting on the future of Newcastle’s fire services.

Where? No. 260 Station, Newcastle

When? 1100 hours, Wednesday 16 December

 

In solidarity,

Jim Casey

State Secretary