Tasmanian Firefighters begin Industrial Action

United Firefighters Union Tasmanian Branch Media Release 5th May 2026

“Tasmanian Firefighters are paid thousands of dollars less than any other trade qualified employee
in the Tasmanian State Service and are some of the lowest paid firefighters in Australia.

“Over the past 14 months of negotiations, the government have shown little interest in addressing
firefighter pay inequity.

“In previous negotiations, the government have said they do not want to compare Tasmanian
firefighter wages to other states and territories. This time we provided comparisons within
Tasmania.

“The government wanted more detail about how a trade qualified firefighter could be compared to
trade qualified State Service employees. When we provided this information, the government
changed their position and said that it wasn’t useful to make comparisons with other Tasmanian
State Servants.

“We understand government negotiators have now sought authority to make an offer that is well
below what other trade qualified State Service employees are currently paid. It is clear that the
government are not taking this seriously and UFU members have voted to take industrial action.

“We put the government on notice that UFU members would take substantial industrial action, not
limited to ceasing practice building evacuations and not silencing fire alarms where there is no fire.
“We understand that this will have a significant impact on Tasmanian industry and commerce, but
we are now at a point where we must take this level of action in order for the government to take
our negotiations seriously and come to the table with a clear position that will resolve at least some
of the significant pay inequity faced by fire service employees in Tasmania.

“This action will commence at 0800 hours on Tuesday 5 May 2026.

Quotes are attributable to Leigh Hills, Branch Secretary, United Firefighters Union of Australia
Tasmania Branch