Firefighters intensify war with Andrews government ahead of Victorian election

Firefighters are ramping up their war against Dan Andrews before the election after their “reasonable”, “sensible” demands were ignored.

Almost 150 trucks painted in anti-Dan messaging will hit the roads from Friday. Picture: Tony Gough

Almost 150 trucks painted in anti-Dan messaging will hit the roads from Friday as firefighters intensify their war with the Andrews government.

United Firefighters Union boss Peter Marshall said the trucks – which act as mobile billboards – would be stationed in suburbs and marginal electorates until November 26.

The move mirrors the infamous ambulance wars that resulted in paramedics locked in pay disputes plastering their vehicles with chalk messages.

The powerful union leader – once a key ally of Daniel ­Andrews – continues to cause headaches for Labor’s hopes of re-election for a third term.

Mr Marshall said he wanted to draw attention to the government’s “betrayal” of firefighters in key areas.

“Firefighters feel betrayed,” he told the Herald Sun. “The fire trucks will help us make some noise and the Premier can expect to hear our EBA campaign ringing in his ears, no matter which marginal seat he visits across the state.”

Firefighters John Shane Tracey and Megan are part of many fire fighters who will be plastering anti-Dan messages on their trucks. Picture: Tony Gough

The union has committed to strikes over its request for an 8.6 per cent annual pay rise, with Fire Rescue Commissioner Ken Block writing to firefighters this week to warn of protected industrial action.

“The type of industrial ­action proposed is not intended to impact emergency ­response,” Mr Block said.

Mr Marshall has been at war with the government over its decision to extend presumptive cancer legislation to mechanics and equipment maintenance workers.

As well as calling for a dedicated compensation scheme for firefighters who acquire work-related cancers, big-ticket items on the union’s wish list include replacing outdated trucks, providing trench rescue equipment and establishing new training grounds in ­regional Victoria.

“Firefighters will be making the public aware of the outdated fire trucks, sounding the alarm on the state’s crumbling fire resources and the unacceptable conditions our fire fighters work under,” Mr Marshall said.

“Firefighter safety equals community safety. Unlike the Premier’s wages, our committed firefighters are watching their wages go backwards as cost of living and inflation spikes pass 7 per cent in coming months.

Premier Daniel Andrews is under attack from a former union ally. Picture: Luis Ascui

“Meanwhile, we are battling fires under duress with ageing trucks, equipment and inadequate training facilities. Victorians expect better for the people who protect their homes and businesses.

“The fire trucks will send a message to the community loud and clear that firefighters have had enough, and we need resources to protect us and the communities we serve.”

The UFU said 15 outdated trucks were still in use for emergencies and FRV’s only fully operational training facility was being used despite being at 121 per cent capacity.

Mr Marshall said the government rejected requests for 20 new rescue pumper trucks and two extra training facilities, and also failed to fund proper trench rescue capability to cover Ballarat, Bendigo and Mildura.

He said the demands of professional firefighters were “reasonable, sensible and ­absolutely critical” to community safety.

“The community expects the government to protect the people who save life and property,” he said.

As revealed by the Herald Sun this month, polling ­revealed a third of voters saying a damaging campaign by firefighters would influence their decisions on whether to re-elect the Andrews government.

The union has spent more than $1m on a destructive ­advertising blitz across television, radio and print.

Originally published as Firefighters intensify war with Andrews government ahead of Victorian election