Firefighters’ union boss holds on to power

Peter Marshall has been re-elected secretary of the UFU but the toppling of other key officials sends “a clear message” to the controversial leader.

Peter Marshall has been re-elected as secretary of the United Firefighters Union. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Militant firefighter union boss Peter Marshall has been re-elected as secretary of the powerful body for another three years.

However three key elected members of the United Firefighters Union, including vice president Mick Tisbury, failed to hold onto their positions in what sources have described as a clear message to Mr Marshall.

A fourth incumbent is also expected to lose their position, but counting continues.

But they say while it might send a message, it is unlikely to dilute Mr Marshall’s power.

“He rules with an iron fist so I don’t think they’ll be able to have any impact,” one union source said.

“Even if the new four vote in block it is only 25 per cent of the vote. That still leaves a lot of power with Peter Marshall.”

While Mr Tisbury was beaten by about 500 votes, it is expected he will be appointed as a non-elected expert consultant to Mr Marshall.

“Ultimately I don’t think its going to make any difference. It should as everyone running against his team got up,” a source said.

“But because he survived he’ll view it as an endorsement of his direction.

“He’s smart and he’s got firefighters amazing pay and conditions with promises of more so people will just run with what’s good for their pocket now.”

Mr Marshall has been challenged for the secretary position by 43-year-old David Pitcher.

In a low-key campaign he promised to “return the running of the union to its members.”

“We have an opportunity to move forward with a new group of people who can bring change and accountability to our union that currently doesn’t exist.”

The Herald Sun has been told anger has been building over Mr Marshall’s increasing stranglehold on the union.

He remains Australia’s best-paid union boss and is in the middle of a court fight for a bigger retirement payout totalling $1 million.

Opposition emergency services spokesman Tim Smith said the election result was a massive blow to Mr Marshall.

“Mick Tisbury was one of his key head kickers as Vice President,” he said.

“Increasingly firefighters are rejecting Peter Marshall’s toxic approach, and it's a shame his best mates in the Andrews government won’t do the same.”

“David Pitcher is to be congratulated for having the courage to speak out early and express that he wasn’t happy with the direction of the UFU representative team,” one UFU member said.

“This action empowered those others to feel comfortable enough to nominate as alternative representation for the members to consider.

“Even though David was unsuccessful in his bid for secretary, he has made huge inroads to modernise the UFU and should hold his head high.”

The official Australian Electoral Commission result is expected to be announced later today.

Originally published as Firefighters’ union boss holds on to power