Deputy Opposition leader Praveen Kumar Bala has urged the Government to intervene in the ongoing standoff between Aspen Medical management and over 200 of their employees. The situation remains unresolved, with a significant strike looming as union members plan to walk out from their positions at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals.
Mr. Bala emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting that the prolonged dispute threatens both healthcare services and the livelihoods of those involved. “Government needs to intervene immediately because apart from services being affected in the two main hospitals, we are also looking at livelihoods being affected,” he stated.
The dispute has reached a critical point as Aspen Medical and the Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) prepare to appear before a Tribunal for the second consecutive day in hopes of reaching an agreement. Mr. Bala expressed that Aspen Medical has had ample time to address the concerns raised by their workers, indicating a growing frustration among employees.
This labor dispute underscores the crucial role of healthcare workers and the importance of resolving conflicts promptly to maintain essential services. The hope is that a constructive resolution can be achieved soon, alleviating the concerns of both workers and the community they serve.
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