The AMWU Victorian Branch applauds the Andrews Labor Governments announcement on delivering the Firefighters' Presumptive Rights Compensation Scheme for maintenance workers.
This scheme will ensure that any Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) vehicle and equipment maintenance workers who attend fires have the same presumptive rights as firefighters.
This is a significant win for our members that maintain and repair firefighting equipment, not only onsite but at the fireground itself, where they have been exposed to the same carcinogens as professional and volunteer firefighters.
Also, factually, It's important to note that this in no way diminishes the protections and presumptions afforded to career firefighters only expands the eligibility to include maintenance workers.
We commend the state government on recognising the integral role that FRV vehicle and equipment maintenance play in Victoria's fire services and fully endorse the scheme's expansion.
Including our members ensures timely treatment and support when a member has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, leaving them to concentrate on their treatment.
Quotes attributable to State Secretary of the AMWU Victorian Branch Tony Mavromatis
"This is a good thing for FRV maintenance workers."
"We commend the Andrews government for taking a stand extending this much-needed support for FRV maintenance workers."