The Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) has strongly condemned legal action taken by Energy Fiji Limited against the union and its officials, describing the move as an unprecedented escalation of an industrial dispute.
The legal proceedings were initiated barely a week after the union formally issued a Notice of Strike, advising EFL that industrial action is scheduled to commence on 15 February.
EFL is alleging defamation arising from official communications circulated by the union to its members regarding employment conditions and workplace issues.
CETWUF National Secretary John Paul said the action marked a disturbing development in Fiji’s industrial relations landscape.
“This legal action is unprecedented in Fiji’s industrial relations history. Never before has an employer sued a union for communicating with its own members on matters relating to employment and working conditions. We see this as a deliberate attempt to intimidate and silence the union and EFL workers, rather than resolve the real issues at the negotiating table,” Mr Paul said.
The union said it views the court action as conduct in bad faith, aimed at derailing dialogue, escalating conflict and diverting public resources into costly and unnecessary litigation.
It argues that the dispute should instead be resolved through meaningful negotiations.
CETWUF has called on the Government and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to urgently intervene and direct the EFL board and management to return to the negotiating table.
According to the union, the Notice of Strike was issued after EFL allegedly refused to engage on several outstanding matters.
These include a proposed 10 per cent wage increase for both 2024 and 2025, the payment of shift allowances to shift workers, live-line allowances to crane operators, and an upgrade of pay rates for live-line workers.
Mr Paul said workers deserve fairness, respect and equitable treatment, not legal intimidation. He stressed that while the union remains committed to dialogue and resolution, it will not be silenced in its duty to represent and defend its members.
The strike notice remains in place as discussions between the parties have yet to resume.
