Today across Victoria AWU members working for Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) employed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) begin protected industrial action. This action is being taken in order to have the ability to bargain for fair wages and conditions, which under the Victorian Government's wage policy is not possible.
This morning saw up to 800 forest firefighters begin protected industrial action. Along with a 30-minute work stoppage the firefighters have also begun protected actions that will see some non-emergency paperwork not completed, meal breaks taken at the depot, interruptions in work to speak to the public about the enterprise negotiations and the ability to post on social media.
Background
The AWU delegates and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action have been negotiating an enterprise agreement since June of this year, after the AWU lodged a dispute with the Fair Work Commission in April.
Whilst discussions have been cordial and there has been progression of several non-monetary claims, negotiation about wages have stalled due to the Victorian Labor Government's wage policy, which mandates wage increases no greater than 3% per annum.
This wage policy fundamentally undermines the ability of workers to bargain a fair deal in the enterprise bargaining process.
According to our calculations, Forest Firefighters working under the Field Staff and Wild Dog Controller Enterprise Agreement are paid in the bottom 5% of all employees working for the Victorian Government. And the AWU believes that women employed under the agreement are even worse off compared to other women workers working for the Victorian Government.
The forest firefighter workforce is vital for protecting the Victorian Community. Our AWU members care deeply for their communities and their environment.
FFMV employees are the first workers on the ground when communities are threatened by bush fires. These incredible workers are also Victoria's first line of defense when flood and storms strike. Their skills are invaluable in recovery and prevention. This work force is also called upon when Agricultural disease outbreaks occur such as the Avian Influenza outbreak in the West of Victoria this year, with FFMV employees sent to manage and contain the outbreak. FFMV employees were also deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic fulfilling various roles on behalf of the Victorian Government.
With our ever-changing climate their job demands are only increasing, but this incredible workforce continues to protect Victoria from the worst Mother Nature throws at us.
AWU members are demanding the Minister and the Premier throw out the wages policy to allow this workforce to bargain for fair wages and conditions. This workforce must be paid wages that enable them to concentrate on protecting Victoria. The AWU is seeking a meeting with the Minister to discuss a pathway forward.
Quotes attributed to AWU President and Lead Organiser for Country Victoria Ross Kenna.
"This workforce is the pride of our Union. Every single day they work hard to ensure the Victorian Community is protected. That these workers are paid poverty wages is a disgrace and indictment on the Government."
"Whilst we understand Victoria is under financial stress, it is not because of the wages of these hard-working members. The debt should not be paid off on the back of the workers that protect Victoria."
"This isn't a greedy money grab; we worry if the wages policy is upheld that most of our experienced workers who have the knowledge and skills to protect the state will be forced out, unable to raise a family with the wages currently on offer. Now is the time to show this workforce that Victoria not only thanks them but rewards them for the service they provide."
"None of our members do the job for the money, every single fire fighter I've been lucky enough to speak to loves their job, but they just can't continue with the wages they are paid. I call upon the Minister and the Government to meet with us and help us resolve this important dispute."
"Our members don't take industrial action lightly and they have ensured that their actions won't impact the safety of Victorians. But we need to do something to get the Government's attention."
