New fireys deal will tackle sex discrimination, bullying, Merlino says
A new workplace agreement for firefighters will satisfy equal opportunity laws and bullying will be properly investigated, Emergency Services Minister James Merlino says, despite concerns the deal will worsen discrimination against women.
The government’s assurance comes after The Age revealed exclusive details of a suppressed Human Rights Commission report that uncovered “everyday sexism” and a masculine culture in the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission reportedly warned the government that workers could be exposed to further harm by the government-backed agreement, which will be put to a vote of United Firefighters Union members on Friday.
The deal will then be scrutinised by the Fair Work Commission.
Clauses in the new agreement would prevent MFB management from introducing new policies without the approval of the union.
The Age also revealed MFB management would have limited capacity to take disciplinary action and be prevented from accessing emails if a firefighter was suspected of distributing pornographic material.
But Mr Merlino said he was confident the agreement would meet equal opportunity and workplace laws.
“There are processes to deal with misconduct in the workplace and those will be adhered to,” he told reporters. “We don’t stand for bullying in any workplace.”
Firefighters would be eligible for extensive leave entitlements, including up to 99 days a year for sick and personal leave under the new deal, News Limited reported.
Mr Merlino dismissed questions about whether other unions would seek similar generous provisions for their members.
The deputy premier said the fire services could not tackle entrenched discrimination issues without a new agreement.
“These are brave men and women who put their lives on the line to save property and lives,” he said.
“This is a dangerous occupation. The men and women of our fire services deserve a workplace agreement.”
The government has estimated the cost of the deal is about $158 million.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the premier needed to explain why he had backed the deal, even though the government had been told it discriminated against women.
“This is a rotting, stinking mess of a deal,” Mr Guy said.
Mr Guy reiterated his pledge that a royal commission would look into Victoria’s fire services if the Coalition were elected in November.
He said some clauses in the new deal, including additional payments for speaking a second language or operating a drone, should not be paid by taxpayers.
He called for the industrial agreement and the full report into discrimination by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission to be released publicly.
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