Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (FBEU)

1 – 7 Belmore Street Surry Hills NSW 2010

Telephone 02 9218 3444    Facsimile 02 9218 3488    E-mail office@fbeu.net     Website www.fbeu.net

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 22 June 2012

 Premier, extend exemption to all

The Fire Brigade Employees' Union has welcomed the State Parliament's decision to exempt firefighters from savage new workers compensation laws, but insists the laws must still be scrapped for all workers.

A last minute amendment moved by the Greens MP, David Shoebridge, was adopted by the NSW Parliament in the early hours of the morning, exempting firefighters and paramedics from the harsh new laws.

The amendment came after firefighters yesterday took statewide industrial action – the first such strike in 56 years.

"It's a shame it required statewide industrial action to focus the attention of this State Government on the dreadful impact these laws would have on the rights and entitlements of sick and injured firefighters," FBEU Secretary, Jim Casey said.

"Our members put their lives on the line every day. They run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out.

"We took yesterday's action with a heavy heart and only after the NSW Government refused to negotiate with us in any meaningful way.

"While we are happy to be exempt from these laws, we will wholeheartedly back other unions and the broader labour movement in its ongoing campaign to defend sick and injured workers."

Further comment: Jim Casey 0419 267 555