FIJI Water says decision to strike by workers is unlawful
We remain committed to resolving the issues with the Union - FIJI Water

FIJI Water says decision to strike by workers is unlawful

We remain committed to resolving the issues with the Union - FIJI Water

By Vijay Narayan , Alipate Narawa
Thursday 09/05/2024
Source : facebook

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.

FEATURE NEWS
Bainimarama and Qiliho's appeal case to be called on 30th Jan
The appeal against conviction, sentencing and bail pending appeal of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Police Commissioner Sitiveni ...
22 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Cleanup campaign fosters community unity and lasting positive change - Malaysian High Commissioner
Initiatives like cleanup campaigns extend beyond beautifying spaces, foster a sense of community and collaboration, reduce tensions, build trust and ...
39 minutes ago

Unique art exhibition 'Alchemy' featuring the works of 10 talented local artists to be held at GPH from Thursday
The highly anticipated art exhibition "Alchemy," featuring the works of 10 talented local artists, is set to take place at the Grand Pacific Hotel, ...
2 hours ago

Namadi Heights and Mead Road face week-long water shortage, WAF says it is expected to be restored by today
Residents of Namadi Heights and Mead Road are demanding for answers from the government and Water Authority of Fiji as they are struggling to cope ...
4 hours ago

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill to be debated on Wednesday
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Bill will be debated on Wednesday after it was brought in Parliament under Parliamentary Standing Order 51 by ...
13 hours ago

Outdated teaching, lack of resources and poor parental engagement blamed for 6,000 year 8 failures
Outdated teaching methods, inadequate resources in rural areas, low attendance and poor parental engagement such as not monitoring homework and not ...
13 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Prof. Biman Prasad on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad will appear on fijivillage Straight With Vijay Narayan.The show focused on the ...
24 hours ago

Bullying and Assault issues at QVS
Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro says the extent of the bullying as highlighted by the Principal however will need to be verified by the ...
4 days ago

Doctor Alipate Vakamocea on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan The show will focus on ...
18 days ago

TOP