Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) has confirmed that it has received a strike notice from the Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF), with planned industrial action set to commence on February 15, 2026. Fatiaki Gibson, the Chief Executive Officer of EFL, acknowledged the strike notice dated January 9, 2026, which refers to matters currently under deliberation by the Arbitration Court.
Gibson stated, “EFL has received the CETWUF Notice of Strike dated 9th January 2026, which includes issues that are part of Trade Dispute 4 of 2025 pending determination before the Arbitration Court. Therefore, no further statements can be made as the matter is sub judice.” Approximately 500 members of CETWUF are expected to participate in the forthcoming strike.
The notice specifies that the strike action will begin at 7 am on February 15, 2026, and will persist until an agreement is negotiated. Participants, including tradesmen, staff, and senior personnel, are anticipated to walk out across EFL locations nationwide.
Among the grievances voiced by the union are EFL’s alleged refusal to negotiate on its 2024 and 2025 Logs of Claims, which request a 10 percent wage increase. Additional complaints pertain to the non-payment of shift allowances, live-line allowances for crane operators working at heights, and demands for the upgrading of live-line workers’ rates alongside existing allowances.
In response to the situation, CETWUF plans to hold a press conference today, while the Ministry of Workplace Relations is scheduled to meet both parties on Monday, aiming to facilitate dialogue and reach a resolution.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by labor unions in advocating for better working conditions and compensation. Despite the current tensions, there is hope that mediation efforts may lead to a productive agreement that benefits both the workers and Energy Fiji Limited.
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