UFU to back MFB workplace agreement following Fair Work mediation.

THE United Firefighters Union will vote on the Metropolitan Fire Brigade pay agreement and us expected to support the new workplace deal after a controversial memo was reworded.

THE United Firefighters Union is expected to support the new Metropolitan Fire Brigade pay agreement after a controversial memo accompanying the deal was reworded.

The UFU sensationally sent a letter promoting the “no vote campaign” last month because an explanatory memorandum accompanying the deal could see the MFB’s chief fire officer get “unfettered total control” over rosters and staffing arrangements.

However, the issue has been resolved by the Fair Work Commission this week, paving the way for the UFU to accept the deal.

MFB PRESIDENT QUITS AFTER CONTROVERSIAL EBA PASSES

Acting Premier and Minister for Emergency Services James Merlino speaks at a press conference at the State Control Centre. Picture: Ellen Smith

In an email sent around to members yesterday, UFU members were told: “It is unfortunate the way events have played out over the past few weeks but the process has enabled all parties to have a better understanding of each party’s views in reaching resolution on outstanding matters.

“The process has highlighted a commitment from all the parties to work together cooperatively to resolve matters in a positive framework.”

Peter Marshall, UFU Victoria Secretary speaks outside a Senate Inquiry at Parliament House, Melbourne. Picture: Mark Stewart

It is not yet known publicly what has been changed to ensure the union backed the agreement.

Minister of Emergency Services James Merlino welcomed the news.

“Our firefighters make an enormous contribution to keeping communities safe, and deserve the security and respect of a new workplace agreement.”

“We are pleased that, as expected, issues with the explanatory notes were resolved in the Fair Work Commission.”

“I look forward to a vote of the workforce taking place in coming weeks.”

FIREYS TO SUE OVER ‘DECEPTIVE’ EBA

FIREFIGHTERS STALLED ON EBA DEAL

The MFB board had signed off on the actual enterprise agreement in January, which included all of the union’s demands, last month.

MFB president Andi Diamond quit after the vote.

Her resignation followed several members of the MFB board were replaced in an attempt to ram through the deal.

Senior leaders in the CFA have also been rolled or resigned as a result of that workplace dispute.

WHISTLE BLOWER CLAIMS UNFAIR DISMISSAL

The MFB’s board corporate secretary claims he was unfairly dismissed. Picture: AAP Image/Joe Castro

MEANWHILE, the MFB board’s corporate secretary has claimed he was unfairly dismissed after he blew the whistle on governance issue in how the MFB board negotiated the EBA.

MFB executive and board secretary David Goldberg said he believed the now MFB acting president Jasmine Doak had a “conflict of interest” after he said she was appointed by the state government to negotiate the controversial workplace agreement.

In his affidavit read out at the federal court, he said Ms Doak was added to the MFB board last year by deputy premier James Merlino to act as the “conduit” between the MFB and the United Firefighters Union on its workplace agreement, after negotiations had been stalled for

years.

He said he believed the government appointing a board member to do the EBA deal was unusual, created an unacceptable governance risk and conflicted with Ms Doak’s role as a board member on the independent fire agency.

During a “pressured” three weeks between Christmas and New Year during a flurry of board meetings to discuss the EBA — he was told by Ms Doak that he was “biased” and had appointed biased lawyer.

The board agreed to a new EBA in early January, which led to a flurry of resignations — including the acting chief executive and the board president Andi Diamond, who Ms Doak replaced.

Mr Goldberg said shortly after the deal Ms Doak had asked him “where he was at?”

He submitted that he was being painted as someone who was biased and who’s position was untenable after the board agreed to the controversial deal.

In February 14, after a series of discussions with MFB board members and the acting chief executive about his future, he was dismissed as not the right fit for the fire agency. He said he had done his job and was being sacked after he notified them he would raise a complaint about his treatment.

Siobhan Kelly acting for Mr Goldberg agreed with Federal Court Judge Debra Mortimer that his client did entertain discussion about him leaving the MFB.

“It sounds like he was willing to go if the price was right,’’ Judge Mortimer said.

The parties are now at mediation.