Victoria's Fire Rescue Commissioner, Gavin Freeman, has leveled serious accusations against the head of the United Firefighters Union (UFU), Peter Marshall, alleging a systematic campaign of bullying and intimidation targeting Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) personnel and himself. The claims, detailed in a recent letter to Mr. Marshall, highlight escalating tensions within the state's vital emergency services.

Commissioner Details Concerns

In the correspondence, shared internally with thousands of FRV staff, Commissioner Freeman expressed profound concern over what he described as "excessively aggressive and inappropriately personal communications." These messages, disseminated across the union's website, social media channels, and in public statements, are characterized as part of an "ongoing campaign of harassment and intimidation." Mr. Freeman asserts that this campaign extends even to UFU members who act in support of the organization's interests rather than the union's preferred stance.

The Commissioner further detailed that these communications have created a workplace environment where employees feel "targeted, distressed and reluctant to participate in legitimate organisational processes for fear of public vilification or reputational harm." He stated that FRV has received multiple reports from staff members expressing concern over how they are being portrayed by the UFU.

Specific instances cited include "hurtful and derogatory content" aimed at Mr. Freeman, who has been Commissioner since 2023, and FRV executives Tony Matthews and Tom McPherson. This sustained targeting, reportedly spanning over a year, even involved the distribution of a satirical colouring-in sheet depicting the three officials to children at a recruit graduation ceremony. Mr. Freeman emphasized that FRV has a legal and ethical duty to ensure the psychological safety of its employees and is prepared to take "appropriate action," including legal measures and reporting to authorities, if necessary. He also highlighted the UFU's unique access to FRV workplaces and systems, cautioning that this position "must not be abused."

Union Defends Actions

In a swift and comprehensive rebuttal, UFU Secretary Peter Marshall rejected the Commissioner's letter "in its entirety." Mr. Marshall staunchly defended the union's actions, stating that scrutiny of public officials, particularly by their workforce and union, is "legitimate, it is protected, and it will continue." He pointed to a majority vote of no confidence passed by the heavily unionized FRV workforce in Commissioner Freeman last year as evidence of widespread discontent.

Mr. Marshall detailed a range of grievances driving the union's criticisms. These include an ongoing dispute over a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) that impacts firefighters' conditions, the controversial removal of income protection benefits for firefighters, and persistent issues with inadequate and outdated firefighting equipment. The union specifically raised concerns about equipment deficiencies in the wake of a fatal house fire in Werribee just last month.

Calling for Commissioner Freeman's resignation, Mr. Marshall asserted that the UFU would not be intimidated or tone down its advocacy. He stated, "The UFU will not be intimidated, and we will not stop advocating for our members and for the safety of the Victorian community." He added that for the Commissioner to restore confidence, he must "fix the failures, settle the agreement, and lead."

A History of Contentious Disputes

This latest exchange marks another chapter in a series of long-running and often bitter disputes between Fire Rescue Victoria and the United Firefighters Union. The organizations have previously clashed on significant issues, leading to legal battles. Last year, FRV initiated legal proceedings against the union, alleging deceptive and misleading conduct related to an income protection scheme that has been in operation since 2023. At the time, Commissioner Freeman publicly questioned the "integrity" of this scheme.

More recently, earlier this month, the UFU suffered a legal setback in the Supreme Court when its bid to prevent the release of a corruption probe report by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) was unsuccessful. The report, known as Operation Richmond, investigated dealings between the union and the former state government. The ongoing tensions underscore a deeply entrenched and complex relationship between the frontline firefighters' representative body and the management of Fire Rescue Victoria.