RFSA expresses support for Victorian Volunteer Fire Fighters
The NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) extends its support to its fellow volunteer fire fighters in Victoria as they endeavour to address the negative repercussions of the proposed Operational Enterprise Bargaining Agreement between the United Firefighters Union and the Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA).
"Any proposal that undermines the culture of the volunteer fire fighters, their tremendous contribution or their efforts in protecting the community needs to be redressed immediately." stated RFSA President, Ken Middleton.
"The RFSA fully supports the campagin by the volunteer fire fighters and our sister association, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, in questioning the intent, legitimacy and effects of the proposed EBA.
"As an effective volunteer and community based fire and emergency service, the CFA, year after year, demonstrates the essential role it plays in community safety. It is disconcerting and almost disrespectful that only a few months after CFA volunteers protected the community against fierce fires along the Great Ocean Road during the Christmas/New Year period, their operational capacity may be affected by seemingly political motivations." Mr Middleton said.
The RFSA supports the Victorian CFA volunteer fire fighters in their quest to ensure that they remain appropriately trained, suitably equipped, and enabled and supported to use their skills and qualifications without industrial and political interference.