The Industrial Relations Commission of NSW (IRC) has handed down its decision on the Awards covering Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters.
NSW firefighters will receive a 14% wage increase over three years, backdated to February 2024.
This includes a one-off reset of two per cent spread over the life of the three-year Awards, which the IRC found was needed due to cost of living pressures after the former government’s wage decisions artificially repressed pay for the State’s almost 7,000 firefighters.
“I welcome today’s IRC decision delivering wage certainty for our firefighters, including an important recognition of the work they do in road crash rescues,” said Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis.
The decision will deliver a 4% pay rise backdated to February 2024, 4% from February 2025 and 3% in the final year from February 2026.
The IRC has also awarded an additional 3% increase from 2026 to recognise firefighters’ competency in road crash rescue work. The Commission found road crash rescue is now a core function of the role, mandating its payment to all firefighters in recognition of the scope of work of modern firefighters.
“After more than a decade of an unfair wages cap we are delivering pay increases for frontline firefighters that recognise their work and commitment to our communities,” said Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib.
“This offer increases wages and improves benefits for firefighters across NSW and demonstrates we are delivering a fairer workplace bargaining system.
“Our firefighters provide vital assistance in times of need and the Minns Government continues to support the people who protect and defend NSW communities.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the outcome recognises the critical work firefighters do every day to keep NSW communities safe.
“It also provides certainty as we work with the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union to implement the decision and support firefighters across the state,” he said.
