This afternoon, over 100 public sector workers, their families, and supporters came together outside Shoalhaven City Council to protest against the new wages policy of the NSW Governement.While Liberal and Christian Democrat MP's like Gareth Ward and Paul Green sat inside on council wages, speakers from the Unions for firefighters, nurses, police, and teachers highlighted the fact that consultation has taken place at any level of government. While Gareth Ward and Paul Green receive two government wages, they allowed the reduction of safety and education to take place on their watch.After the rally, I joined a delegation of Union officials inside the council meeting, and we attempted to table an urgent motion through supporter and Councillor, Amanda Findlay. The motion was shut down by Mayor Paul Green, after vocal points of order by Gareth Ward. The motion was ruled out of order, and the delegation of public sector workers were not given space to talk. Taking away conditions and rights of public sector workers were urgent enough to put through Parliament in a matter of days, but not urgent enough for community discussion and freedom of speech.As the delegation left the still sitting council chambers, I said loudly so that all could hear, "see you next month Gareth, we'll be back". And we will.
DARIN SULLIVAN
President
NSW FIRE BRIGADE EMPLOYEES' UNION
1-7 Belmore St | Surry Hills | NSW 2010
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