The High Court Judge, Justice Chandana Lakshman, has emphasized the need for fair compensation for workers to mitigate brain drain in Fiji. His comments were made during a civil lawsuit involving the Construction Energy Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) and Aspen Medical, as the union seeks resolution on critical issues outlined in their Log of Claims.
During the proceedings, union representative Sailesh Naidu mentioned that an agreement was reached on 13 items back in February, but six remaining issues—which include public holiday pay, dirt allowance, meal allowance, loyalty payment, provisions for industrial injury, and wage increases—are still unresolved and directly relate to worker compensation.
Aspen Medical’s attorney, Ronal Singh, requested a two-week postponement to discuss their position further, but Justice Lakshman insisted on the necessity of ensuring that workers receive their rightful payment without further delay. He encouraged both parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the outstanding issues amicably rather than relying solely on the court’s intervention.
This situation reflects ongoing tensions in labor relations within Fiji’s healthcare sector, as evidenced by similar past disputes involving CETWUF and Aspen Medical, where concerns over pay and working conditions have led workers to consider strike actions in the past. The union’s proactive stance and justice’s guidance present a hopeful outlook for resolving labor disputes, signaling an opportunity for positive change in worker rights and fair treatment.
Justice Lakshman’s remarks and the ongoing legal efforts underscore the importance of prioritizing fair wages in retaining skilled workers in Fiji, making it evident that a constructive resolution is not only beneficial for employees but essential for the country’s economic stability. The next court hearing is scheduled for July 2, which will be crucial in determining the outcome of this matter.
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