Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL) employees will not proceed with a strike, as concerns were raised by the company about the Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji’s notice for a secret ballot. This came after EFL’s lawyer, Mele Rakai, expressed in the Arbitration Court in Suva that the proposed strike could be deemed illegal under Section 177(c) of the Employment Relations Act.
One of the focal points in the union’s 2024–2025 log of claims, specifically the request for a 10% salary increase, is currently under judicial review. EFL, aspiring to act as a responsible employer, has sought assistance from the court to resolve the ongoing salary dispute. Meanwhile, the union has proceeded with a notice for a secret ballot, despite an existing application to strike out still awaiting a decision.
Union representative, Sailesh Naidu, emphasized that legislation allows unions to submit multiple logs of claims and that the procedure for conducting a secret ballot falls under the jurisdiction of the registrar of trade unions, reinforcing the union’s legal stance.
The core issue under judicial review pertains to the union’s challenge against EFL’s trade dispute notification, with Mr. Naidu contesting its validity on procedural and substantial grounds. Both parties are now anticipated for the court’s decision on the union’s bid to dismiss EFL’s trade dispute, scheduled to be released soon.
This situation is part of a broader pattern of industrial unrest in Fiji, mirrored in other disputes such as the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) and Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), where issues of salary increments and working conditions have fueled tensions. The repeated call for fair negotiations and mediation underlines the importance of structured dialogue between employers and unions to ensure equitable treatment and maintain workforce morale. As these judicial and mediation proceedings continue, there remains hope that constructive solutions will be found, averting strike actions and bolstering fair labor practices.
Leave a comment