CFA defers decision on pay deal after crisis meeting

THE Country Fire Authority has deferred its decision on a new pay deal for firefighters after a crisis meeting.

• CFA Volunteers fear fallout as union muscles in

THE Country Fire Authority has deferred its decision on a new pay deal for firefighters after a crisis meeting yesterday.

Premier Daniel Andrews is pushing for an agreement that would hand the United Firefighters Union sweeping power over the volunteer fire brigade.

The dispute has split the State Government, and the Herald Sun reported yesterday that the CFA board planned to discuss the deal at an extraordinary board meeting.

In a statement after the meeting, acting CFA chair John Peberdy said directors received an “in-depth briefing” about negotiations with the union.

Premier Daniel Andrews.

Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett.

“Understandably, there has been significant attention about the operational EBA negotiations and what the union’s claims mean for the CFA,” Mr Peberdy said.

“Today’s meeting was not about making a decision about the union’s claims — it was about making sure all board members were fully briefed about the situation.

“No deal has been made, and we will continue to work with the State Government and the union to resolve the EBA negotiations quickly and ensure the agreement provides the best deal for Victorians.”

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said it “should be a no-brainer” for the Andrews Government to support the CFA’s 60,000 volunteers instead of backing the union.

“For the Labor Government to hand over control of our CFA to a union simply as an election pay-off would be a complete disgrace,” Mr Guy said.

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