Victoria's new Metropolitan Fire Brigade chief Dan Stephens has hosed down criticisms he is "anti-union", as uncertainty continues over a controversial pay deal.
Mr Stephens wrapped up his first week as the MFB's new chief officer and CEO on Friday, saying he looks forward to developing an excellent relationship with all represented bodies.
"Just to be very clear, I am not anti-union," he told reporters.
The United Firefighters Union had previously blasted Mr Stephens' appointment in April, labelling him "anti-union".
But the new chief had much nicer things to say about the union.
"I support the principle of free collective bargaining in the fire and rescue service," Mr Stephens said.
"Whether that be the FBU (Fire Brigades Union in the UK) or the UFU, they do an excellent job in representing their members and for that they have my respect."
Mr Stephens comes to the MFB from the United Kingdom, where he was the chief fire officer of Merseyside Fire and Rescue for more than six years.
He served as a firefighter for 15 years after joining the service as a 22-year-old recruit in 1990 and was previously a member of the British Army's airborne infantry.
Mr Stephens said he prides himself on being able to work with all bodies within the fire service and intends to do the same with UFU secretary Peter Marshall.
"I am not a union buster. I have a strong track record of working with the fire brigade in the United Kingdom," he said.
Mr Stephens said he is meeting with Mr Marshall next week.
The new chief also defended closing fire stations overnight in his old job, which the UFU has suggested may also happen in Victoria.
"That is not something I set out to do," Mr Stephens said.
"These are political decisions - the extent to which the fire and rescue service is funded."
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