The strike planned by members of the Construction Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji against Energy Fiji Limited has been called off following intervention by the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.
In a letter of referral dated February 15, Minister Agni Deo Singh directed that the dispute between the union and EFL be referred to the Arbitration Court for determination.
The letter refers to a Notice of Strike issued by CETWUF on January 9, advising of proposed industrial action scheduled to commence at 7am on Sunday, February 15.
However, the minister said both parties had failed to reach an amicable settlement and remained deadlocked over the 2024 and 2025 Logs of Claims.
“Having regard to the essential nature of EFL as a public service, and being satisfied that the continuance of the proposed strike would not be in the public interest and would likely jeopardise the livelihood of the nation, public safety and economic stability,” Mr Singh ordered the immediate discontinuance of the strike action.
He cited provisions under the Employment Relations Act 2007, directing that all industrial action notified be stopped, and warned that any further strike action arising from matters now before the court would be contrary to the law.
The minister also reminded both parties of their obligation to act in good faith, stating that all industrial action must cease while the matter remains before the Arbitration Court.
The directive effectively halts the planned strike, ensuring continuity of electricity services while the dispute is resolved through legal arbitration.
