Union bullying, not illness, led to resignation of MFB boss Peter Rau, wife says

Stress resulting from bullying by the United Firefighters Union (UFU) was the main reason Metropolitan Fire Brigade chief Peter Rau resigned last week, his wife says.

In an online contact form to Macquarie Radio,Tracey Rau said her husband had an autoimmune condition which was made worse by stress surrounding the long-running CFA dispute over an enterprise bargaining agreement for career firefighters.

Emergency Services Minister Jane Garrett, CFA chief executive Lucinda Nolen and CFA chief officer Joe Buffone have all resigned for refusing to back the Government in the conflict, which volunteers said would give the United Firefighters Union (UFU) veto rights over operations with the volunteer brigade.

"The main reason my husband has had to resign is due to stress as a result of bullying by the UFU and the current situation with the EBA," Ms Rau said.

"He has lodged a claim with WorkSafe and it has been accepted.

"The culture in the MFB for a long time has allowed management to be treated this way and my husband is not the only victim of such behaviour."

Ms Rau said the family had left Melbourne on holidays to try and "get away from the situation".

The ABC has been unable to contact Ms Rau to confirm the details.

Ms Rau's comments contradict a public statement from the MFB last week in which it said Mr Rau had quit to focus on his health.

She said the assertion her husband was gravely ill had upset family and friends who had to be assured that was not the case.

Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville said it was her understanding Mr Rau had chosen to stand down to deal with his health issues.

"There was no intention to cause Peter or his family any distress by the comments made on Friday," she said.

Last week the Government said Mr Rau's resignation had nothing to do with the CFA dispute.

The UFU has been contacted for comment.