An agreement has been established to implement cost of living adjustment (COLA) payments for workers at the Ba Town Council over the next three years, following successful negotiations between the Council and the National Union of Workers (NUW). The NUW, which is associated with the Fiji Trades Union Congress, managed to secure these payments after initial discussions with the employer reached an impasse.
The pivotal breakthrough in the negotiations came with the intervention of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Minister Agni Deo Singh. His involvement was instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the two parties, helping to ensure that discussions proceeded in good faith and aimed at preventing further escalation of tensions.
Minister Singh characterized the resolution as a positive achievement derived from constructive dialogue. He noted that the agreement effectively balances the welfare of the workers with the operational needs of the Council.
Disbursements under the agreement specify that COLA payments for the year 2024 will be divided into three installments, with the first installment scheduled for payment on or before Easter, the second by July 31, and the final payment by October 10. For the year 2025, the payments will be made in two parts, with the first payment due before Christmas and the second in mid-March. Additionally, the COLA adjustment for 2026 is set to take effect starting January 1, 2026.
Singh expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of both the council management and the union in reaching a mutually beneficial settlement. He emphasized that this agreement highlights the significance of continued engagement and cooperation as vital components for maintaining stable industrial relations. Furthermore, the positive result of this dialogue underscores the importance of social dialogue in effectively resolving workplace issues in a fair and orderly fashion.