For the first time in 15 years, more than 300 Parks Victoria (PV) staff across the state will walk off the job today in an ongoing fight for fair pay and conditions.

After more than a year of negotiations, Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) members in PV are taking protected industrial action after refusing an offer that would lock in lower pay and conditions, and put them behind colleagues across the Victorian public sector.

Union members will also hold a rally outside PV head office at 300 La Trobe Street, Melbourne at 9.45am today.

As well as maintaining the state’s extensive public lands, parks, and reserves, PV staff fulfil an essential firefighting and emergency response capability, working as an integrated part with other agencies often in some of the most remote regional areas of the state.

Despite doing the same work and fulfilling many important functions, this current offer treats PV staff like second-class citizens.

PV executives are paid at the broader Victorian Public Service wage rates; but this fairness is not extended to their hard-working staff.

These workers play a crucial role in managing and protecting more than four million hectares of parks, reserves, bays and waterways across approximately 3000 land and marine sites, which attract over 100 million visits a year. It’s only possible to experience this because of the work Parks Vic staff do.

From maintaining walking tracks and free campgrounds, to protecting wildlife, caring for beaches and waterways, preserving historic sites and ensuring public spaces are safe and accessible, PV workers help create outdoor experiences that millions of Victorians enjoy every year.

Paying them fairly should be straightforward and can be achieved with the stroke of a pen.

“Our members at Parks Vic do an incredible job of keeping our public spaces safe and enjoyable – they deserve the same pay and conditions as their Victorian public sector colleagues to reflect their dedicated work.”

“If you’ve spent a weekend camping, gone fishing off a pier, hiked with family, visited a national park or simply enjoyed the natural beauty of Victoria, chances are a Parks Victoria staff member made it possible."

“Management at Parks Vic are paid in line with the public service standards, and we think what's good for the bosses is good for our members.”

“We are calling on management to properly recognise the skills and expertise of our members and pay Parks Vic staff fairly – their work is too valuable to ignore.”