The Ministry of Employment and Workplace Relations is set to hold a crucial mediation session today in Suva, aiming to facilitate dialogue between the Construction Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) and Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) to prevent an impending strike scheduled to begin at 7 am this Sunday.
CETWUF’s national secretary, John Paul, expressed positivity going into the talks, stating, “We are going in with an open mind and we hope good sense will prevail.” This dialogue comes on the heels of intensified tensions due to a breakdown in negotiations related to CETWUF’s Log of Claims for the years 2024 and 2025.
The union has raised serious concerns, alleging in a letter to the Fiji Trades Union Congress that EFL has violated international labor standards. Following unsuccessful mediation efforts, CETWUF conducted a secret ballot among its members, who expressed a strong mandate to proceed with strike actions if necessary. “We are due to activate this mandate next week,” Paul added.
Moreover, the union has accused EFL of improperly engaging with employees regarding their potential participation in the strike, which they perceive as interference in their union activities. In response to the situation, EFL has issued a warning to staff that any participation in the strike will result in withheld wages during the strike period. EFL’s chief executive officer, Fatiaki Gibson, noted in a circular issued on February 10 that employees intending to strike must confirm their participation by a specified deadline.
The mediation session occurring today represents a vital effort to resolve the dispute and avert disruptions to power services, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and negotiation in addressing labor disputes. As both parties prepare to engage, there is hope that a solution can be reached that respects the rights of workers while maintaining essential services for the community.
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