For six years, FRV corporate staff have kept the fire service running without a pay rise. The offer on the table is a step backwards, and UFU is fighting for you to get a better deal. Here’s what you need to know.
Since the last salary adjustment in 2020, the purchasing power of FRV corporate staff salaries has fallen by over 23%. Relative to trend growth, the real value of your pay has declined by more than 41%.
FRV’s offer averages out to just 1.5% per year across the life of the agreement (6 years of negotiations and 4 years of the proposed agreement) – nowhere near enough to recover what you’ve already lost. Meanwhile, your groceries, rent, insurance and cost of living have all gone up. Other Victorian essential workers like nurses, police, and paramedics secured between 17% and 28%. You deserve the same.
A fair classification structure is clear and objective, and lifts everyone up. FRV’s agreement doesn’t do that.
FRV’s proposed structure doesn’t benefit everyone. Under their unfair model, pay rises for some classifications come directly at the expense of others. And your progression would be subject to someone’s opinion, not objective criteria.
FRV’s proposed agreement makes it easier for them to cut corporate numbers through reclassification. Your job security isn’t part of the deal.
No one wants an agreement that could see jobs sent overseas or contracted out. Corporate staff keep FRV running and deserve certainty when it comes to their work.
For six years, FRV received government funding specifically allocated for wage increases. Instead of passing it on to you, they spent it on executive pay rises, consultants, lawyers to fight your claims, and new director roles. Workshop staff received 24% over three years. Politicians received five pay rises. You received nothing.
Under the Fair Work Act, FRV cannot take action against you for joining the union or participating in protected industrial action. They cannot force you to disclose your membership – ever. These protections carry serious legal penalties for any employer who breaches them.
