CFA dispute: CFA’s top firefighter calls for unity amid looming union deal with United Firefighter Union

VICTORIA’s top country firefighter has made a public appeal for unity among volunteers and paid crew amid growing tension over the looming union deal with the United Firefighter Union.

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VICTORIA’s top country firefighter has made a public appeal for unity among volunteers and paid crew amid growing tension over the looming union deal with the United Firefighter Union.

Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Joe Buffone released a video calling for the members to “respect” each other and focus on protecting Victoria.

He called on all firefighters to not let the pay dispute distract them from the common goals of “getting trucks out the door” and keeping Victoria safe.

“The CFA is facing some challenging times at the moment,” he said.

“I value the contribution of all CFA members, staff and volunteers.

“The EBA negotiations have been long and difficult. The Government has accepted the proposed EBA and whilst there are differences it is worthwhile thinking about CFA now and where we want it to be; its worthwhile to think about the CFA future and in these difficult times I ask everyone to focus on what really matters.”

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His stern message comes after 200 furious volunteers confronted Premier Daniel Andrews at a rural press conference yesterday morning, upset they were being sold out under the latest deal with the UFU.

It also follows the Herald Sun also revealing 50 clauses in the proposed deal which showed the powers the union would have over the CFA management under the new agreement.

The CFA boss’ message comes after head of Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Andrew Ford called for CFA volunteers disconcerted by the deal to not resign last week.

National Secretary, United Firefighters Union Peter Marshall issued a statement this morning saying the deal was misunderstood had created hysteria in the state.

“The misrepresentation of the proposed CFA workplace agreement has continued today,” he said.

“Since October 2015 the parties have been through more than six months of negotiations, and the UFU has made more than 120 concessions. This has been further revised by the Final Recommendation of Fair Work Commissioner Roe.

“Again this is not Veto. The Herald Sun’s account is fiction

“All firefighters are becoming every increasingly frustrated with the increasing demonisation and vilification by some MPs and sections of the media.”

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