About 200 workers from Aspen Medical are planning to strike starting February 6, 2025, if their claims for better wages and working conditions continue to be ignored. The Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) announced this decision, highlighting potential service disruptions at Lautoka and Ba hospitals due to the strike.
CETWUF National Secretary John Paul stated that the workers, which include kitchen staff, cleaners, technicians, and security personnel, voted unanimously in favor of the strike after negotiations fell through. He noted that grievances regarding salary adjustments have been unaddressed for several years, exacerbated by the rising costs of living.
In the past few months, the union has expressed increasing frustration with Aspen Medical, particularly over the company’s claims that it cannot negotiate until it has clarity on its public-private partnership agreements. According to Paul, this delay reflects Aspen Medical’s ongoing neglect of its workers’ concerns, many of which have remained unresolved since 2017.
CETWUF has formally notified Aspen Medical of the impending strike, with plans to stand firm unless a negotiation process begins. Paul mentioned that the union has also reached out to the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) for intervention, as they are a key shareholder in Aspen Medical’s operations.
In response to the situation, Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh has stated that they are allowing for due process and hope for timely interventions to address the workers’ demands.
This looming strike serves as a pivotal moment for labor relations in the healthcare sector in Fiji, sparking interest in how both the government and Aspen Medical will respond. As healthcare workers prepare to take a stand, there remains hope that constructive dialogues can be initiated promptly, leading to fair resolutions that benefit both the employees and the patients who depend on their vital services.
Overall, addressing these grievances not only highlights the importance of fair compensation and recognition in the healthcare workforce but also sets a precedent for future labor negotiations in the region.
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