Unions have vowed to hit the streets again after more than 45,000 NSW
public-sector workers demonstrated against what they say is an attack
on their jobs and wages.
Firefighters in uniform, police, teachers, nurses, prison
officers, and bus and ferry drivers carried placards and flags into
central Sydney shortly after 11am (AEST) on Thursday as the sounds of
Bob Dylan blasted from loudspeakers.
The crowd of 35,000 protesters in Sydney was far greater than the union movement's forecast of a 20,000 turnout.
Across regional NSW, another 10,000 made themselves
heard, with rallies in Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Albury each attracting
an estimated 1000 demonstrators.
Unions NSW secretary Mark Lennon vowed there would be
more unrest unless Premier Barry O'Farrell backed down from plans to
slash 5000 public service back-office jobs and impose a 2.5 per cent cap
on government wages.
"As this campaign continues, we become stronger, co-ordinated, more flexible and united," he told the rally.
"From here, this campaign will continue to roll out
politically, in our communities and we'll continue to roll out this
campaign industrially as well."
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