The CFA won't be able to vote on a controversial pay deal until at least September after the issue will go to trial.
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria applied to suspend the processing of the United Firefighters Union enterprise bargaining agreement because they believe it includes clauses contrary to the CFA Act affecting volunteers.
Victorian Supreme Court Justice Michael McDonald said the matter should go to trial, likely to start on September 22, and the CFA would be prevented from putting the agreement to vote until that process takes place.
The Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) has opposed the new deal, arguing it would marginalise volunteers and hand undue influence to the United Firefighters Union.
However, the union has said the deal would enhance the safety of its members and the community.
Stuart Wood QC for the VFVB argued in court that the proposed deal would give an "effective veto" to the union over the CFA chief officer's power.
So far the saga around the deal has resulted in the sacking of the CFA board and resignations of emergency services minister Jane Garrett, CFA chief executive Lucinda Nolan and chief officer Joe Buffone.
