Union Says Bugger Off Bob

Date: 07 February 2004

The United Services Union has condemned the announcement by the NSW Government to sack both Sydney City and South Sydney Councils - leaving administrators and senior Sydney City Council managers in control of the new and unelected merged council.

USU General Secretary Brian Harris said "The Union holds grave concerns for the future of the 600 workers employed at South Sydney Council who's jobs are directly threatened by the Carr Government's arrogant decision. City Council management has a track record of contracting out and forced redundancies."

The USU is preparing a systematic campaign to oppose the government's action and to protect jobs. The union will be considering a range of campaign options over the coming days. "Our anti council amalgamation campaign, "Bugger Off Bob" is now going to move from NSW regions into the heart of the city."

Brian Harris says that this action demonstrates that the Carr Government is only concerned with its own political agenda, ahead of the welfare of local government workers.

"USU members may now question the point of associating with a political party which can make this type of decision without consultation and rides roughshod over democratic processes."

"The government is contemptuous of the impact this has on the workers and their families. It is not just about the sacking of democratically elected Councillors, it has sent shockwaves through local government workers at Sydney City and South Sydney Councils. These workers will be going to bed at night wondering whether they will have a job in the future."

Mr Harris says the Carr Government has betrayed South Sydney and City Council staff. "The USU had firm commitments that the workers jobs would be protected - both Mr Carr and Local Government Minister Tony Kelly have betrayed that."

The USU believes that the agenda that Energy Minister Frank Sartor had as Lord Mayor of Sydney is taking shape now that he is a member of the Carr Government. "Our members are legitimately asking who is actually running the NSW local government reform agenda," said Mr Harris.

For further information please contact Brian Harris on 0419 761 318.

For further information

Contact:	Brian Harris
Union:	United Services Union
Phone:	(02) 9265 8211
Fax:	(02) 9261 2265
Email:	united@usu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.usu.org.au

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