The NSW Government and firefighters’ union have reached an agreement that will see an interim pay rise of 3 per cent, industrial action cease and the independent industrial umpire resolve the remaining issues in dispute.
The pay increase for 6,800 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters will be backdated to February and follows a 4.5 per cent pay rise (inclusive of super) delivered to firefighters last year, the highest in more than a decade.
The deal comes ahead of formal arbitration on new awards in the Industrial Relations Commission and will help firefighters manage cost of living pressures while also stipulating a pause on industrial action to ensure public services are not disrupted.
This agreement reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to a fair, modern and sustainable wages policy for firefighters and helps undo the damage caused by 12 years of pay neglect by the former Coalition government.
The Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild essential services and the industrial relations system is well underway.
This includes introducing a new bargaining framework and re-establishing the independence of the Industrial Relations Commission to assess and determine union and departmental claims. It also includes scrapping the Liberals and Nationals unfair wages cap.
The Minns Labor Government also committed $189.5 million in the 2024-25 NSW Budget to guarantee the jobs of 286 permanent firefighters that were left unfunded by the former government.
Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:
“I welcome the agreement for NSW firefighters and I thank the firies for their advocacy, patience and support.”
“This is a good step forward but we still have work to do.”
“We appreciate their commitment and service to the people of NSW.”
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
“This agreement with the union shows a commitment to working together to achieve practical outcomes for frontline responders and the community.”
“We continue to work towards an outcome that is fair and sustainable for Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters and the people of NSW.”
“After more than a decade of stagnant wages under the Coalition Government, the Minns Labor Government is delivering for the essential workers of NSW, including these workers on the frontline of rescue and emergency response.”