Concerns firefighters' industrial action could delay burnoffs in southern WABy Andrew Williams and Ella LoneraganABC South West WATopic:Bushfires1h ago1 hours agoTue 6 May 2025 at 10:31pmIndustrial action could delay critical controlled burns across southern WA. (ABC RN: Fiona Pepper)In short:Hundreds of firefighters contracted to WA's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are taking industrial action to seek better wages and conditions.A bushfire researcher says the action may delay critical fuel reduction burning during the winter months.What's next?After two years, negotiations between the state government and union remain ongoing.abc.net.au/news/wa-bush-firefighters-industrial-action-impacting-burnoffs/105258310Link copiedShareShare articleAn ecologist and bushfire management expert says delays to scheduled fuel reduction burn-offs across southern Western Australia may increase the risk of bushfires next summer.The state's prescribed burns have fallen behind schedule due to industrial action by hundreds of firefighters employed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), which manages the program.Unlike Department of Fire and Emergency Services firefighters, the DBCA workers deal with the management of state-owned and operated forests and land throughout the year, which includes bushfire responses.Delays have mounted in recent weeks as the firefighters have been working to rule — meaning no overtime or work on public holidays.Despite the industrial action, the firefighters are committed to responding to any wildfires.Joe Fontaine says further delays to the burning program could increase bushfire risk. (ABC News: Rhiannon Shine)Murdoch University ecology lecturer Joe Fontaine said there was less broad-scale burning during autumn, which was usually busy."That takes a lot of work, a lot coordination … because of the hours and staffing required," he said."Right now, burning is focusing on high-risk areas closer to where people live."Dr Fontaine said the overall fuel load was likely to mount in fire-prone areas ahead of next summer's bushfire season if the burn-off delays increased.Industrial action is 'mild'The Australian Workers' Union, which represents the firefighters, said the 300 workers had been seeking better conditions and wages for more than two years.Australian Worker's Union DBCA delegates met in Bunbury. (Supplied: AWU WA)WA Branch president Andy Hacking said the firefighters were paid between 15 to 20 per cent lower than other government sectors, with many on a yearly salary between $60,000 and $70,000 per year."They're just not paid well for the type of work they do," he said."In the fire season they are right in the thick of it."He said the challenging nature of the work warranted improved conditions."We need an uplift because if we have a mild fire season, these guys are struggling to pay their bills," he said.The WA government declined to reveal the impact the industrial action was having. (Supplied: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions)Workers will still fight wildfiresIn response to questions from the ABC, a state government spokesperson declined to detail the direct impact of the industrial action."We value the hard work of our frontline bushfire staff," the spokesperson said."The state government continues to bargain in good faith with the AWU and is committed to reaching a negotiated settlement as soon as possible."The AWU has assured [the] government that industrial action will not affect emergency bushfire suppression."Posted 1h ago1 hours agoTue 6 May 2025 at 10:31pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)ABC EmergencySearch any location in Australia to find nearby active incidentsFind an incidentPlan for an emergencyPlan for BushfiresDuring a HeatwaveTop StoriesEight dead after India strikes nine sites in Pakistan, officials sayLIVEASIC takes action against Macquarie for 'significant' failuresBREAKINGPhoto shows Macquarie Group headquarters, SydneyCourt orders release of 'vicious' CCTV footage after three-year legal battleTopic:CrimePhoto shows External images of Reiby Youth Detention Centre.A feedback loop tanked Dutton's campaign in its final weekAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbPhoto shows Clive Palmer NPC'Takes two to tango': Takeaways from the Trump-Carney White House chatTopic:World PoliticsPhoto shows Mark Carney and Donald Trump speak in the Oval Office.Related storiesIn one of the world's most fire-prone regions, 'cutting edge' techniques are protecting precious habitatTopic:Indigenous AustraliansPhoto shows Man tends to large fire in bushlandFrustration over communication issues during out of control fire near AlbanyTopic:Emergency ServicesPhoto shows Smoke from Green Range FireRelated topicsBunburyBushfiresPublic SectorUnionsTop StoriesEight dead after India strikes nine sites in Pakistan, officials sayTopic:Unrest, Conflict and WarBreaking: ASIC takes action against Macquarie for 'significant' failuresTopic:Business and Industry RegulationCourt orders release of 'vicious' CCTV footage after three-year legal battleTopic:CrimeA feedback loop tanked Dutton's campaign in its final weekAAnalysis by Annabel Crabb'Takes two to tango': Takeaways from the Trump-Carney White House chatTopic:World PoliticsJust InErin Patterson's mushroom murder trial resumesLIVE6m ago6 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 12:23amVoices fund hails 'astronomical' regional seat gains despite defeatsTopic:Australian Federal Elections4m ago4 minutes agoWed 7 May 2025 at 12:25amASIC takes action against Macquarie for 'significant' failuresBREAKING45m ago45 minutes agoTue 6 May 2025 at 11:44pmKvitová wins on tour for first time since becoming a motherTopic:Tennis1h ago1 hours agoTue 6 May 2025 at 11:19pmMore Just InBack to top