Informal mediation talks involving the Construction Energy, Timber, Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF), the Fiji Roads Authority, and the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations have shown encouraging signs towards a potential resolution, according to union general secretary John Paul.
On September 3, the union outlined its demands for a salary increase for its members, emphasizing the need for cost-of-living adjustments that have not been implemented since 2017.
Paul stated, “We attended the informal meeting, and the employers have been given time to consult with their line minister before returning to us next week. There is no strike planned at this moment; discussions are ongoing.”
He noted that a mediator from the Ministry of Employment and several representatives from the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) were present at the meeting. “Overall, it was a positive discussion, but no decisions are final until they report back to us,” he added.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for next week, during which the FRA will convey its position to the union.
A statement issued by Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) also acknowledged the current standstill in negotiations among the involved parties. CETWUF is connected to the BWI.
BWI Asia Pacific Regional Representative Apolinar Tolentino expressed concern regarding individual contracts and the absence of cost-of-living adjustments. He stated, “We are worried about this situation, particularly since workers have not received a cost-of-living adjustment since 2017.”
He also highlighted the union’s valid concerns over the lack of a structured salary system and performance management, which are crucial for employee well-being and the efficient functioning of a state-owned entity managing substantial public resources.
“BWI fully supports CETWUF in striving to enhance working conditions at the FRA through collective bargaining agreements that comply with the standards set by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which the Fiji government has committed to,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of a collaborative resolution for the benefit of both the organization and its employees.
Attempts to reach Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh and Fiji Roads Authority Board chair Atunaisa Nayago were unsuccessful, as numerous phone calls went unanswered.