MFS firefighters will receive a significant pay boost, along with improvements to training and health screening, as part of an in-principle agreement reached between the State Government and the leadership of the United Firefighters Union of South Australia (UFUSA).
The offer, which will be put to employees to vote on in coming weeks, follows months of good faith negotiations between the Union and the State Government.
The offer includes a 10.5% wage boost spread over three increases, as well as a $3,000 uplift to base wages to reflect rescue qualifications and advanced skills of all employees to be covered by the agreement.
Additionally, the offer includes a significant boost to training. This will see the employment of new trainers by the MFS to improve training immediately, with the state government to also undertake a review of training arrangements for firefighters, commencing after July 2026.
In recognition of the particular health challenges faced by firefighters, the offer includes new health provisions. Under the offer, the MFS will provide medical support and screening and monitoring services for all employees covered by the agreement. This will be based on a model successfully operating in Victoria.
Additionally, the offer also includes the creation of new increments for Station Officers, Marine Officers, Communications Officers and Commanders to provide further opportunities for career progression.