Local firefighters join Tahmoor miners picket over Xstrata’s refusal to negotiate

Local firefighters join Tahmoor miners picket over Xstrata’s refusal to negotiate



A dozen firefighters from the Illawarra and Southern Highlands will join a picket by workers at Xstrata’s Tahmoor coal mine tomorrow as part of a community solidarity action to demand management come to the table and negotiate in good faith.



Fire Brigade Employees’ Union President Darin Sullivan said the company’s ongoing refusal to reach a workplace agreement, and their use of threats and intimidation to try and force workers to accept a sub-standard outcome, were an attack on the local community and firies felt an obligation to show their support.



“All these workers want is a fair deal that ensures a safe workplace, secure employment and reasonable wages,” Mr Sullivan said.



“The fact that they have continued to carry out essential safety work on the long wall during the picket – ensuring it is safe for the inexperienced new staff Xstrata have employed – shows just how reasonable and considerate they have been in the face of serious corporate aggression."



“Like these workers, we are from a dangerous industry, and we know just how important it is for people to stick together where safety is concerned."



“We will continue to back the Tahmoor workers and demand that big businesses like this one negotiate fairly, reasonably and in good faith to provide a workplace that shares just a little bit of the huge profits that are being made.”



Pic op: Local firefighters join community picket

When: 9am, Wednesday 14 July 2010

Where: Remembrance Drive, Tahmoor



Media enquiries: FBEU NSW President Darin Sullivan - 0422 436 044