The Construction Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) has announced its intentions to issue a 14-day strike notice to Aspen Medical, impacting the operations at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals. According to Union Secretary General John Paul, the union has a membership of 200 workers employed in various roles, including chefs, cooks, pharmacists, security guards, and technicians at the hospitals.
Mr. Paul emphasized that the union members are prepared to proceed with the strike, having expressed their dissatisfaction with the current situation. He stated, “They have voted to go on strike and are ready for it.” He also mentioned that the union has refrained from taking immediate action due to its responsibilities toward the patients who rely on the services of the hospitals.
The union is calling for government intervention to resolve the situation and avoid a strike, highlighting that its requests for salary increases, which are tied to cost-of-living adjustments, have not been addressed since 2017.
While the possibility of a strike raises concerns for hospital operations and patient care, it also reflects the workers’ strong demand for fair compensation in light of inflation and rising living costs. This situation underscores the importance of dialogue between employers, unions, and the government to ensure that healthcare workers are recognized for their essential contributions.
The union’s call for action serves as an important reminder of the challenges faced by frontline healthcare workers and the critical need for their voices to be heard in discussions regarding their rights and welfare.
In summary, CETWUF is poised to issue a strike notice due to ongoing grievances related to salary adjustments, highlighting the union’s readiness to take a stand unless action is taken to address their concerns.
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