A potential strike at Lautoka and Ba Aspen hospitals has been averted following successful negotiations between the Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) and hospital management. Union members were set to initiate industrial action at 7 AM on February 6, after voting in favor of the strike, but an agreement was reached during two days of discussions at the Fiji Mediation Centre.
Under the new agreement, Aspen Medical has settled on 13 of the issues detailed in the union’s Log of Claims. However, six issues remain unresolved, necessitating further mediation sessions planned in Suva within the next two weeks to address these outstanding matters.
CETWUF national secretary, John Paul, expressed gratitude for the intervention by the Arbitration Court and the Fiji Mediation Centre, highlighting their efforts to prevent the strike in the interests of both the workers and the patients relying on hospital services. He conveyed optimism that ASPEN Medical would engage in good faith negotiations to finalize the remaining disputes soon.
This resolution reflects the importance of dialogue in labor relations and demonstrates a commitment to finding a mutually beneficial outcome for hospital workers and the patients they serve. The continuing discussions underscore the hope that all issues can be amicably settled, ultimately leading to a more stable working environment and enhanced healthcare services for the community.
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