Sydney fire stations stood down by Commissioner over union dispute

Posted October 21, 2011 13:45:59

The firefighters union says 20 stations around Sydney have been ordered not to respond to emergencies because of industrial action.

The Fire Brigade Employees’ Union says management has taken the stations off line in response to a ban on relieving crews and paperwork.

Staff are in a dispute over an agreement affecting firefighters on alternative duties, which the union says has been dishonoured.

Union state secretary Jim Casey says having less engines available to respond to emergencies puts the public at risk.

A spokesman for Emergency Services Minister Mike Gallacher says he is being kept informed of developments.