An informal mediation scheduled for tomorrow will decide the fate of a potential industrial strike by workers of the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA). Representatives from the Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF), the Ministry of Employment, and FRA are expected to participate in this crucial meeting.
CETWUF released a statement on September 3, indicating that its members had voted in favor of possible strike action due to limited salary increments affecting only a select group of workers, along with several other unresolved issues detailed in a list of claims. The union highlighted that FRA has been selective in granting salary increases, particularly concerning cost-of-living adjustments that have not been implemented since 2017.
The union criticized the Coalition Government’s removal of contract-based appointments in civil service, especially in government-owned organizations in the construction sector. Additionally, they expressed concern over FRA’s lack of a full-time CEO following the resignation of the previous one.
Union national president John Paul remarked that negotiations with FRA had reached a stalemate. He stated the employer had shown no willingness to compromise on the log of claims. However, after conducting a secret ballot, the union has the mandate to proceed with legal actions if necessary, while emphasizing that a strike would be a last resort. Paul mentioned that over 100 union members work with FRA.
FRA board chairman Atunaisa Nayago acknowledged the negotiation deadlock in a statement issued on September 3. He affirmed FRA’s commitment to addressing these issues in a professional manner according to the legal framework set by the Employment Relations Act 2007, which provides a structured dispute resolution process.
Nayago emphasized the importance of resolving disputes without public media involvement, stating that such actions could create misinformation and unnecessary public concern. He invited the union to continue engaging in dialogue within the established legal framework to reach a fair and amicable resolution.