More than 100 employees of the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) have voted to initiate a strike, according to the Construction Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF), which represents the workers. The union members include those stationed in FRA offices as well as those working on-site.
CETWUF Secretary-General John Paul stated that management has declined to address their demands for a salary increase, which the union attributes to the lack of cost-of-living adjustments that have not been implemented since 2017. He expressed concern that a government-funded organization like FRA is resisting changes to contract-based appointments despite a critical workforce shortage in the construction sector.
Paul criticized FRA for relying on legal advice, funded by taxpayer money, to maintain contract positions. He also expressed discontent that FRA has not appointed a full-time CEO since the previous CEO resigned earlier in 2023, highlighting that the organization cannot function effectively without a qualified leader.
The union members voted for action last month, and Paul announced that the public should anticipate disruptions to FRA operations nationwide due to the ongoing conflict between the union and the authority. Attempts to reach FRA for comments went unanswered by the publication deadline.