Firefighters involved in battling Victoria's mine fire will be paid outstanding entitlements for their efforts this week, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) says.
The United Firefighters Union (UFU) has started Federal Court action against the brigade to recover wages owing since the 45-day fire at the Hazelwood coal mine began on February 9.
The legal action concerns 240 MFB firefighters, who are each owed an average $4000 out of a total overtime bill of more than $6 million.
The MFB says all outstanding payments it is aware of will be paid this week.
"We have provided assurances to staff that everyone will be paid all of their entitlements," acting deputy chief officer David Bruce said in a statement on Monday.
The UFU says firefighters worked up to 20-hour days on their days off during the Hazelwood coal mine fire but that the MFB is unable to account for who was there.
However, Mr Bruce said it had taken considerable time and effort to recognise and verify attendance records, given the size and nature of the incident.
The summer's fire season involved the largest deployment of firefighters outside the MFB's immediate area of responsibility, he said.
"Understandably, the MFB's focus at that time was to provide assistance to the community through efficient and effective deployment of resources across the state," he said.
The UFU's Peter Marshall said the legal action for firefighters' entitlements would continue despite the MFB's assurances they would be paid this week.
"They've been saying that every week. Show me the money is the response to that," he said.
"If in the interim period they pay, that's good. but to date we ain't see the money despite many assurances.
"Firefighters shouldn't have to wait that long and the MFB should meet their legal requirements."
Share
