Vic volunteers get minister's support

Victoria's government has created a statement of support for its emergency volunteers while it remains locked in a bitter pay battle with the United Firefighters Union.

The statement of key principles aiming to build respect for emergency volunteer agencies has been signed by Premier Daniel Andrews, Emergency Service Minister Jane Garrett and Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley.

Ms Garrett said the statement had been months in the making, when asked by reporters if it had been created to smooth over concerns volunteers have about any UFU pay deal.

After about 19 months, the state government and the UFU still have not agreed on an enterprise bargain agreement.

Ms Garrett has been refusing UFU demands such as letting the union veto management decisions and a condition that seven paid firefighters be attend all fires.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria fear they will be marginalised under the deal and that fire services will be flooded with unnecessary paid staff.

Ms Garrett said any agreement would respect both career and volunteer firefighters.