Firefighters’ union to campaign for Andrews after government pushes through MFB workplace agreement

FIREFIGHTERS will ramp up their support for the Andrews Government in the lead-up to the November State election after Labor pushed through the new MLB workplace agreement.

FIREFIGHTERS are preparing to ramp up their support for the Andrews Government in the November state election.

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A bulletin released by the United Firefighter Union this week called for attendance at the annual delegates conference, to include discussions about the election campaign.

The training event, to be held next week, comes after the state government pushed through a controversial new workplace agreement for MFB firefighters this month.

It is understood there was increasing pressure from the Andrews Government to get a deal done since late last year.

The conference will also discuss delegate activities, and industrial and legal matters.

United Firefighters Union national president Peter Marshall.

Daniel Andrews campaigns with firefighters before the 2014 election. Picture: Hamish Blair

The timing of the UFU’s poll preparation has raised concerns, with the state Coalition saying Mr Andrews owed the union for its support on polling day in 2014.

Firefighters donned fake uniforms in the 2014 election and rode in a decommissioned fire truck while campaigning.

They also handed out how-to-vote cards at polling booths.

Brad Battin has again called for a royal commission into unions after the announcement. Picture: Hamish Blair

Opposition Emergency Spokesman Brad Battin said the timing and the UFU’s support was concerning.

“This does not pass the pub test and supports the reason we need a royal commission in Victoria,” he said.

He was concerned the EBA agreement ensured the unions support come polling day.

Government spokesman Matthew Dixon said firefighters did a good job in Victoria.

“They deserve to be supported with the security of a workplace agreement,” he said.

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