Weeks of negotiations and discussions over better working conditions broke down yesterday when FIJI Water workers gathered outside the company’s two facilities in Ra and Lautoka to publicly express their outcry.
The early morning walk-off was said to have affected the company’s operations as experienced staff were also part of those who were on strike.
Striking workers, who are also members of the National Union of Workers, said they had been raising some of the issues since 2018.
National Union of Workers (NUW) general secretary Felix Anthony said the parties met on numerous occasions and were close to coming to an agreement on April 8 when talks broke down.
“Members of the union have grown impatient and called for action without delay,” Mr Anthony said.
“The union has exercised patience and given as much time as possible to resolve all the outstanding issues even to the extent of running out the first mandate to take industrial action by members.
“This necessitated a second ballot for a mandate to take industrial action. Unfortunately, the union has been forced to take action in an attempt to expedite a resolution.”
Mr Anthony said the union remained prepared to enter into negotiations to find an amicable resolution.
“Initial talks are scheduled for midday today (yesterday) between the union on zoom with the management from the Fiji Water Suva office and their US counterparts. It is not envisaged that negotiations will commence at this initial meeting. We remain concerned that some in management are actively encouraging workers to resign from the union. Members are determined to continue the protest for as long as is necessary.”
In April, during an interview with The Fiji Times, Mr Anthony said talks between FIJI Water and its workers’ union had been dragging on for a while.
“We have discussed that issue at length and, unfortunately talks have broken down with Fiji Water with regards to overtime payment and wage adjustment for workers for the years 2022 and 2023,” he said.
Meanwhile, FIJI Water confirmed a statement will be released by the US office later today.
