NSW: Firefighters stage protest at minister's office

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2008
NSW: Firefighters stage protest at minister's office

About 150 firefighters have marched on the electoral offices of New South Wales Emergency
Services Minister NATHAN REES.

They're calling on him to intervene in their long-running dispute over wages and conditions.

The firefighters and their union have been fighting the state government's 2.5 per
cent cap on public sector wage increases.

Union vice-president JIM CASEY's accused the Fire Brigades of trying to trade away
leave and other entitlements during the arbitration process .. or wanting roster changes
which could see some stations closed.

Mr REES says the Fire Brigades have put a number of cost-saving proposals to the union
.. but roster changes aren't included.

The dispute is now being heard by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

AAP RTV ab/evt/crh/ibw

KEYWORD: FIREFIGHTERS (SYDNEY)

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.