Fiji: CETWUF delays strike for humanitarian reasons

On 13 January, the Construction, Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) issued a strike notice to Aspen Medical. The strike is expected to commence on 6 February 2025, which gives Aspen Medical 14 days to consider negotiations. CETWUF claims to have given Aspen Medical extra days to call for negotiations because it fears its strike action will affect people accessing services at the Lautoka and Ba hospitals. Since December 2024 , CETWUF has announced plans to initiate strike action over unpaid salary increments dating from 2017.

Assessment: Aspen Medical has delayed negotiations with CETWUF on the grounds of gaining clarity from stakeholders on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement. CETWUF is unlikely to embark on strike due to its effect on healthcare provision at both hospitals. CETWUF is likely to extend strike to give more time to Aspen Medical to negotiate.

Sources: Ritika Pratap, “Construction Union issues strike notice to Aspen Medical,” FBC, January 15, 2025; Mereleki Nai, “Aspen workers set February strike date,” Fiji Sun, January 16, 2025.