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BRIEF, AUSTRALIA
Public sector workers rally

Chris Williams

2 August 2008

WOLLONGONG — More than 200 workers rallied on July 30 as part of actions across NSW in support of all public sector workers currently negotiating with the NSW government over pay and conditions.

Darren Sullivan, secretary of the Illawarra sub-branch of the Fire Brigade Employees Union, told the rally, “The state government is trying to force us to accept a 2.5% pay rise. This is just not good enough because, with inflation at 5%, it’s a pay cut in real terms.” Arthur Rorris, South Coast Labour Council secretary, said the protest was not just about pay: “This is about the quality of services provided to the community by workers, including workers on the frontline of emergency services.”

Wayne Phillips, local secretary of the Australian Workers Union summed up the mood when he said, “This offer is an insult. Today has to be the first of many rallies to pressure [NSW treasurer Michael] Costa. Next time we should rally at parliament house with triple the numbers and kick the bloody doors down if we have to!” There were many union contingents present, including rail and bus workers, manufacturing workers, teachers, health workers, and members of the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union, the Police Association and the United Services Union.