Vic: Volunteer firefighters threaten Games protests

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2006
Vic: Volunteer firefighters threaten Games protests

Victoria's volunteer firefighters are threatening protests at public events .. including
next month's Commonwealth Games.

They say they've been ignored in a new enterprise agreement between the Country Fire
Authority and the United Firefighters Union.

The association representing the state's 58-thousand volunteer firefighters says the
union's ignored the needs of volunteers in its demands for upgraded uniforms and training.





The UFU represents Victoria's 500 career CFA firefighters.

Association chairman GARY LYTTLE says the new EBA means volunteers will be forced to
wear new protective clothing .. they believe is second-rate.

They've demanded a response from Victorian Premier STEVE BRACKS and Police and Emergency
Services Minister TIM HOLDING today.

Volunteers say they plan to protest at the Commonwealth Games .. the Formula One Grand
Prix .. and Moomba to ensure their concerns are heard.

The association says they're angry about being rolled over for the sake of less than
one per cent of the fire service.

AAP RTV jrd/ce/tm/bart

KEYWORD: FIREFIGHTERS (MELBOURNE)

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