The Ministry of Employment and Workplace Relations is set to hold an urgent mediation session in Suva today, aimed at preventing a strike by the Construction Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) against Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), scheduled to start at 7 am on Sunday.
CETWUF’s national secretary, John Paul, expressed hope for a positive outcome, stating, “We are going in with an open mind and we hope good sense will prevail.” This mediation effort follows a breakdown in negotiations surrounding CETWUF’s claims for the years 2024 and 2025, which have led to escalating tensions between the union and EFL.
In a letter to the Fiji Trades Union Congress dated February 12, CETWUF accused EFL of violating international labor standards. Following unsuccessful negotiations, the union conducted a secret ballot, resulting in a clear mandate from its members to pursue strike action, which is expected to be activated next week.
Additionally, CETWUF has raised concerns regarding EFL’s direct communication with employees about their potential involvement in the strike, labeling it as interference in union activities. In response, EFL warned its workers that anyone participating in the planned strike would not receive payment during that period. A circular from EFL’s CEO, Fatiaki Gibson, reiterated that wages would be withheld and required anyone intending to strike to confirm their participation in writing by 4 pm on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Today’s mediation represents a crucial opportunity to resolve the ongoing dispute and prevent any disruption to power services, ensuring the community remains supplied and service-oriented. This mediation not only highlights the importance of dialogue in labor relations but also demonstrates the commitment of both parties to seek an amicable solution.