The Ministry of Employment and Workplace Relations will convene a last-ditch mediation in Suva today between the Construction Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji and Energy Fiji Limited in a bid to avert a strike scheduled to begin at 7am on Sunday.
CETWUF national secretary John Paul said the union was entering the talks with an open mind.
“We are going in with an open mind and we hope good sense will prevail,” Mr Paul said.
The mediation comes amid heightened tensions following a breakdown in negotiations over CETWUF’s Log of Claims for 2024 and 2025.
In a letter dated February 12 to the Fiji Trades Union Congress, the union alleged that EFL had breached international labour standards.
“Following the unsuccessful conclusion of mediation, we have conducted a secret ballot in accordance with the relevant legal requirements, and members have given a clear mandate,” Mr Paul said. “We are due to activate this mandate next week.”
The union has also raised concerns about EFL’s direct communication with employees over their intention to participate in strike action, describing the move as interference in union activities.
Meanwhile, EFL has warned that workers who take part in the industrial action will not be paid. In a circular issued to staff on February 10, EFL chief executive officer Fatiaki Gibson stated: “Your wages and salaries will be withheld during the strike period.”
The circular further directed employees intending to strike to confirm their participation in writing via email to the general manager human resources by 4pm on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Today’s mediation is seen as a critical effort to resolve the dispute and avoid disruption to power services should the strike proceed as planned.
