The Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) reached a significant milestone by signing a collective agreement with Amex Resources Ltd in Lautoka on Monday. John Paul, the national secretary of CETWUF, announced that the company had also distributed Christmas bonuses to its employees the day before.
Mr. Paul expressed appreciation for Amex’s collaboration with the union during a challenging period and highlighted their commitment to improving working conditions for the staff. Currently, Amex employs over 100 individuals, with 80 being union members.
The two parties have agreed to reconvene in March 2025 to address salary issues affecting the workers. The recent signing of the collective agreement marks a noteworthy success for CETWUF in 2024, following extensive negotiations with Amex.
Mr. Paul also encouraged other employers to follow their lead and engage with worker representative unions, asserting the necessity for companies to respect workers’ rights instead of complicating their efforts to secure fair treatment.
This agreement serves as a reminder of the value that unions provide in advocating for workers’ rights and improving workplace conditions.
The positive outcome of this negotiation underscores a hopeful trend towards enhanced cooperation between unions and employers in Fiji, fostering an environment where workers’ rights are prioritized and respected.