The Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) has announced on social media that Energy Fiji Limited workers are preparing to take strike action from February 15, escalating an ongoing industrial dispute with the power utility.
The post comes a day after Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) reiterated its hope that the dispute could still be resolved through dialogue.
“EFL remains optimistic that good sense will prevail and seeks the cooperation and understanding of all its valued employees who are members of CETWUF, and its leadership team, during this period,” EFL chief executive Fatiaki Gibson had said.
The dispute followed a voluntary mediation process that formed part of collective bargaining talks organised and facilitated by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, acting on instructions from the Minister and the Permanent Secretary.
However, CETWUF later advised the ministry in writing on February 7 that it did not wish to continue with the mediation process.
Instead, the union said it preferred the matter to be addressed through Arbitration Court proceedings, which are scheduled for March 23.
