The Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) has accused Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) of rewarding its senior executives with substantial salary increases while continuing to deny wage adjustments to union members.
In a statement, the union National Secretary John Paul said it was “deeply concerned” by reports that the total remuneration for EFL’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Management Group increased from $3.309 million in 2024 to $3.756 million in 2025.
The union claims its members have been denied wage increases for 2024, 2025 and now 2026 because of what it describes as EFL’s ongoing refusal to negotiate and settle the union’s log of claims.
“This glaring disparity raises serious questions about EFL’s commitment to fairness, equity, and respect for its workforce,” Paul said.
“If EFL has the financial capacity to reward its executives, it must also recognize and fairly compensate the CETWUF members whose dedication and hard work sustain EFL’s operations and success.”
The union argued that giving salary increases to one group while delaying negotiations with workers was damaging staff morale and creating unequal treatment within the organisation.
“Privileging one group while disregarding another, EFL undermines workforce morale, erodes trust, and perpetuates inequitable and discriminatory treatment,” the statement said.
CETWUF has called on EFL to immediately resume negotiations with the union to secure what it describes as a fair outcome for its members.
“CETWUF immediately calls upon EFL to engage in genuine, good-faith negotiations to secure a fair and equitable outcome for its members,” Paul said.
“Fair wages must not be reserved for a privileged few at the top but should reflect a balanced and just distribution of wage increments and improved conditions for CETWUF members.”
The union said it remained committed to maintaining constructive industrial relations but insisted there must be greater transparency and consistency in the treatment of workers.
It described the practice of granting executive pay increases while delaying the settlement of union wage claims as “unacceptable” and said it would not tolerate such actions.
CETWUF is also urging EFL’s Board and executive leadership to demonstrate fairness by entering negotiations without further delay and settling all outstanding claims lodged by the union.
