Fiji: Strike unlikely to disrupt health service delivery

On 19 December, the Construction Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) notified Aspen Medical of the Union’s intention to embark on a 14-day strike. CETWUF stated issues of salary increments, delayed overtime, and public holiday payments owed to members of the Union at the Latouka and Ba Aspen Hospitals. CETWUF has sought salary increments for cost-of-living adjustments since 2017. CETWUF also seeks Government intervention to avert the strike.

Assessment:  The union’s call for Government intervention reveals the strike notice primarily as a threat to elicit a response, with strike action a secondary measure should Aspen avoid negotiations. The government is unlikely to respond immediately, following management’s assurance of continued services amid any strike action. Aspen Medical took over management of both hospitals from the government in September 2022. CETWUF has 200 members working as medical and non-medical staff in both locations. In the event of a natural disaster in Ba and Latouka, a strike action is unlikely due to a sense of community responsibility.

Sources:  “Strike is imminent at Ba & Lautoka Aspen hospitals – CETWUF,” The Fiji Times, December 19, 2024, “Aspen Medical assures services won’t be affected,” The Fiji Times, December 12, 2024, “Aspen officially takes over,” The Fiji Times, September 2, 2022.