GOVERNMENT is stepping in to resolve the standoff between Energy Fiji Ltd and about 500 workers who are threatening to go on strike if their salary issues are not addressed.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh said a voluntary mediation would be carried out between the two parties and the ministry.
“We have contacted the parties and invited them for voluntary mediation on Monday 19th,” said Mr Singh.
“They have agreed.
“We are optimistic that a settlement will be reached eventually.”
The mediation comes on the back of a strike notice issued by the Construction, Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji on behalf of its members on January 9.
The workers outlined several grievances in the letter informing EFL of their intentions to go on strike. These included EFL’s alleged refusal to enter negotiations on the union’s 2024 and 2025 Logs of Claims, both of which include a proposed 10 per cent wage increase.
Other issues raised include the alleged failure to pay shift allowances to workers performing shift duties, the refusal to pay live-line allowances to crane operators working at height and calls for an upgrade of live-line workers’ rates in addition to existing allowances.
Meanwhile, yesterday CETWUF national secretary John Paul said the union had yet to receive any communication from EFL regarding their grievances.
“We have not heard from them,” said Mr Paul.
“Our demands are very clear and since issuing the notice there has been no attempt from them to discuss these issues with us and their workers.”
Questions sent to EFL yesterday remained unanswered.
