An informal mediation is scheduled for tomorrow to decide the potential industrial strike action by workers of the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA). Representatives from the Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF), the Ministry of Employment, and the FRA will participate in this meeting.
CETWUF issued a statement on September 3 indicating that its members voted in favor of striking due to limited salary increases that only benefit select employees and various unresolved issues outlined in their claims. The union highlighted concerns regarding the FRA’s practice of selectively awarding salary increases while neglecting to implement cost-of-living adjustments since 2017.
The CETWUF noted that the current Coalition Government had announced the elimination of contract-based appointments within the civil service, raising concerns about FRA’s governance, especially since it is fully funded by the government and has not appointed a full-time CEO after the resignation of the last one.
John Paul, the national president of the union, stated that negotiations with the FRA have reached a stalemate, with the employer indicating no movement on the claims. He emphasized that a secret ballot was conducted, and the union has received a mandate to pursue legal avenues if necessary, although they prefer mediation to seek a solution.
More than 100 union members are employed by the FRA. In response, FRA board chairman Atunaisa Nayago acknowledged the negotiation deadlock. He reassured that the FRA is committed to resolving these issues in a professional manner, adhering to the legal framework of the Employment Relations Act 2007, which provides a structured dispute resolution mechanism.
Nayago stressed the importance of resolving disputes through appropriate channels rather than public statements, as the latter could lead to misinformation and undue pressure. He encouraged ongoing dialogue with the union to achieve a fair resolution to the current impasse.