The Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) has voiced strong opposition to legal actions initiated by Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) against the union and its officials, labeling the move as an unprecedented intensification of an ongoing industrial dispute. The legal proceedings were filed shortly after the union issued a Notice of Strike, announcing that industrial action is set to begin on February 15.
EFL has accused the union of defamation due to official communications circulated among its members regarding various employment conditions and workplace issues. CETWUF’s National Secretary, John Paul, expressed concern over this legal action, marking it as a troubling shift in Fiji’s industrial relations framework. He noted, “This legal action is unprecedented in Fiji’s industrial relations history. Never before has an employer sued a union for communicating with its own members on matters relating to employment and working conditions.” According to Mr. Paul, this lawsuit appears to be a calculated effort to intimidate the union and its workers instead of addressing the underlying issues through negotiation.
The union perceives this court action as an act of bad faith that undermines constructive dialogue, escalating tensions instead of facilitating a resolution. CETWUF has urged the Fijian government, under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s leadership, to step in and guide EFL management back to genuine negotiations. The notice of strike was prompted after EFL allegedly failed to engage on various critical issues, including proposed wage increases of 10 percent for the years 2024 and 2025, payment of shift allowances for shift workers, live-line allowances for crane operators, and adjustments in pay rates for live-line workers.
Mr. Paul stressed the necessity for fairness and respect in the workplace, underscoring that the union is committed to representing and defending its members despite facing legal intimidation. With the strike notice still active, negotiations between the parties have yet to resume, leaving the future of this dispute uncertain. The hope remains that dialogue can eventually prevail, paving the way for a resolution that addresses the workers’ concerns and restores harmony in industrial relations.