NSW: Firefighters to march on Parliament House in Sydney

AAP General News (Australia)
08-01-1999
NSW: Firefighters to march on Parliament House in Sydney

Up to 1,500 firefighters are about to march on Parliament House in Sydney during their
first strike in 15 years.

Half of the state's 3,000 permanent firefighters began industrial action at 8am today and
say they'll continue their action until their demands on death and injury benefits are met.

The striking firefighters will march from the Sydney Fire Station to Parliament House about
1pm, despite an Industrial Relations Commission order not to strike.

Firefighters who joined the service after 1985 are demanding the same death and
disability benefits deal that covers those who signed up before the 1985 cut-off point.

Brigade Commissioner IAN MacDOUGAL says that with more than half the workforce taking part
in the strike action, 90 of the state's 330 stations will be affected.

He says contingency plans are in place to ensure the threat to public safety is minimised.

AAP RTV jo/sb/jmt

KEYWORD: FIREFIGHTERS (SYDNEY)

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