The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has filed an appeal following the Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Ministry’s rejection of its dispute application concerning strike actions initiated by the Construction, Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF). FRA board chairman Atunaisa Nayago confirmed the appeal last week.
Nayago stated that the FRA intends to engage in informal mediation, with the expectation that the issue will eventually be presented in a formal dispute forum. He mentioned that they are currently awaiting a response from the Permanent Secretary for Employment regarding the appeal.
John Paul, national secretary of CETWUF, noted that the union’s members conducted a secret ballot in September, which indicated support for industrial action if management does not engage further. He expressed disappointment over the lack of movement on critical claims related to contracts and pay increases, despite previous discussions with management.
Paul criticized the FRA for filing a dispute against the union instead of entering mediation, arguing that there was no valid case since dialogue was already underway. He emphasized that union members are prepared to pursue strike action and highlighted concerns over the resignation of qualified staff and the longstanding acting positions some workers occupy without confirmation.
He called for an investigation into the recruitment practices of the FRA, particularly regarding the hiring of external candidates over internal staff who have been in acting roles for extended periods.
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