Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) has responded to issues highlighted in a Notice of Strike issued by the Construction, Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF), clarifying that these matters are currently being addressed in the Arbitration Court and are distinct from ongoing defamation proceedings involving union officials.
In an official statement, EFL confirmed that the strike notice is part of Trade Dispute No. 4 of 2025 and is awaiting resolution in the Arbitration Court. The company emphasized that these concerns were previously mentioned in CETWUF’s Notice of Secret Ballot from August 2025 and are already under judicial consideration.
The power utility also disputed claims made on the Fiji Times Official Facebook Page on January 16, 2026, which suggested that EFL took legal action against the union immediately after receiving the strike notice. EFL labeled the assertion as misleading and factually incorrect, specifying that the legal action in question is a defamation case initiated at the Lautoka High Court on December 24, 2025, against CETWUF and its General Secretary, John Paul. This case pertains to alleged defamatory remarks concerning the company’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Human Resources, rather than any issues related to employment conditions or workplace matters.
EFL clarified that the defamation suit and the Notice of Strike are unrelated issues, and the company has previously requested an apology and retraction of the statements at the heart of the legal dispute. Despite several requests, CETWUF failed to respond adequately, prompting EFL to pursue legal action.
The disputed statements were reportedly shared via a CETWUF Viber group and in an email sent out on May 14, 2025. EFL has expressed its respect for the judicial process and is awaiting the court’s decisions on the ongoing matters. In light of the situation, the company has called for cooperation from its employees, considering the potential impact on electricity services if the labor dispute escalates further.
This development highlights the complexities within labor relations and the importance of resolving disputes through established legal channels, reflecting EFL’s commitment to clarity and communication amid challenging circumstances.
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