The Construction Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) is preparing to send a 14-day strike notice to Aspen Medical due to ongoing grievances related to salary adjustments for its members. Union Secretary General John Paul announced that around 200 members employed at the Lautoka and Ba Aspen Hospitals, including roles such as chefs, cooks, ward assistants, pharmacists, and technicians, have expressed their readiness to strike after voting on the matter.
Paul emphasized that the union has delayed taking action out of consideration for the public relying on services from the hospitals, but he indicated that the situation has reached a tipping point. He stated, “Members have had enough of this waiting game,” highlighting a strong desire for change and immediate action.
Central to their claims is the need for a salary increase based on cost-of-living adjustments that have not been implemented since 2017. The union is urging the government to intervene before a strike occurs, reflecting the urgent need for a resolution to the issues faced by healthcare staff.
This situation underlines the importance of addressing employee concerns in the healthcare sector, especially given the crucial services these workers provide to the community. The union’s push for fair compensation is not only about securing better pay but also about acknowledging the hard work and dedication of its members.
Summary: CETWUF plans to issue a 14-day strike notice to Aspen Medical, representing 200 members at Lautoka and Ba Aspen Hospitals. The union emphasizes the pressing need for salary increases and urges government intervention to prevent a strike, which reflects the frustrations of healthcare workers regarding unmet demands since 2017.
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