BY HOLLY FISHLOCK
Twelve lifeguards from Beresfield Pool have been sacked following the Council's privatisation deal with BlueFit Aquatics.
The move has been heavily criticised by Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, who has called the job losses and privatisation disappointing.
"I have been, as a Labor member, a long-term opponent of privatisation because it ends up not benefiting the community, it benefits the private companies," Ms. Hornery says.
It comes after City of Newcastle stated any changes to the pool management would not result in job losses.
"It's sad that we read documents and pledges from Labor councillors that say there would be no job losses. And yet, we know twelve qualified, experienced, long-term staff at Beresfield pool have lost their job," she says.
She is now calling for council to offer re-employment to the twelve staff, and to apologise to them.
"There have been no steps to right the wrong. I am asking the councillors to do right by the Beresfield and Tarro community and by the twelve employees that they sacked; to reinstate those experienced, qualified employees, and take them back to the pool."
