Fiji Water workers on strike, Anthony says some in management are encouraging workers to resign from the union

As Natural Waters of Viti Limited (Fiji Water) workers based at the Yaqara factory in Ra and the Naikabula depot in Lautoka continue their strike this afternoon, National Union of Workers General Secretary, Felix Anthony says initial talks are scheduled for this afternoon between the union via Zoom with management from the Suva Office and their US counterparts.

Anthony says it is not envisaged that negotiations will commence at this initial meeting however they remain concerned that some in the management are actively encouraging workers to resign from the union.

He stresses that the members are determined to continue the protest for as long as it is necessary.

Anthony says members of the National Union of Workers employed by Fiji Water recently voted as required by the Employment Relations Act to take industrial action in support of various long pending issues which have been subject to negotiations over a period of time.

The issues include the unions Log of Claims for the years 2023 and 2024 which includes 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.

Anthony says the parties have met on numerous occasions and were close to an agreement, on 8th April 2024 when talks broke down.

He says members of the union have grown impatient and called for action without delay.

Anthony says the union has exercised patience and gave 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.

He says this necessitated a second ballot for mandate to take industrial action.

Anthony says unfortunately, the union has been forced to take action in an attempt to expedite a resolution.

He says the union remains prepared to enter into negotiations to find an amicable resolution.

fijivillage News contacted Fiji Water this morning.

They are expected to release a statement later today.

Stay with us for developments.