FIJI Water says decision to strike by workers is unlawful

FIJI Water has today stated that the decision to strike by workers who are members of the National Union of Workers is unlawful because these issues have been submitted to the Ministry of Employment, which has not yet decided on the dispute.

In a statement, a company spokesperson says the fact that the Union has engaged in this work stoppage is regrettable.

FIJI Water says they have negotiated in good faith and been fully committed to reaching an amicable resolution.

The company says it takes great pride in being one of the best employers in Fiji and operating one of the most advanced and safest plants in the world.

The spokesperson adds the company provides among the highest wages and best benefits in Fiji.

They say that includes a 13.5 percent wage increase in 2022 and their recent offers to the Union that equal to an additional 17 percent pay increase for hourly paid workers.

FIJI Water says they have also offered a new roster pattern that would give workers 17 more days off each year.

They say instead, the Union has elected to engage in a strike that harms workers who will not receive wages while on strike.

They say they remain committed to resolving the issues with the Union.

Representatives of Natural Waters of Viti Limited (Fiji Water) workers based at the Yaqara factory in Ra and the Naikabula depot in Lautoka said they have started informal mediation talks with the company.

This was confirmed to fijivillage News by National Union of Workers Senior Industrial Relations Officer, Marerai Vatege, who says the workers are still on strike.

While trying to get further comments, we have been advised that they are awaiting further instructions from National Union of Workers General Secretary, Felix Anthony who had flown out of the country this morning.

The union’s Log of Claims for the years 2023 and 2024 include Cost of Living Adjustments and other terms and conditions of employment, the employer's alleged failure to prepare shift rosters in compliance with the law and failure to pay overtime work which is pending since 2018, the employer's alleged failure to negotiate and reach agreement on a shift allowance, transport arrangements for employees who are required to work overtime prior to and after their normal shift, the employer's alleged failure to negotiate and conclude a job review, and the employer's alleged decision to employ casuals on a rotation basis for permanent jobs on individual contracts on terms and conditions that are discriminatory and in breach of the Collective Agreement between the union and the company.

Stay with us for developments.