EFL Strike Averted, Ministry Directs Parties to Arbitration

The Employment Minister, Agni Deo Singh, has stepped in to address an industrial dispute between Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) and the Construction, Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF), directing both sides to resolve the matter through arbitration following a strike notice issued by the union.

The Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations confirmed that CETWUF had served a Notice of Strike to EFL on 9 January 2026, indicating plans to begin strike action at 7.00am on Sunday, 15 February.

Discussions between the two parties over the union’s outstanding 2024 and 2025 Logs of Claims had continued in recent months but failed to produce a resolution, leading to a deadlock.

In response, the Minister exercised powers under the Employment Relations Act 2007 to refer the dispute to the Arbitration Court for determination.

The Ministry said this step was taken in light of EFL’s role as a critical public service provider, noting concerns about the potential impact of a strike on national livelihood, public safety, and economic stability.

The Minister also directed that the proposed strike action and any related industrial activity connected to the matters now before the Arbitration Court should not proceed while the legal process is ongoing.

Under the Employment Relations Act, strike action may be considered unlawful where disputes are subject to arbitration proceedings. The Ministry reminded both parties of their obligation to comply with the law and to continue engaging in good faith while the matter is before the Court.

The dispute will now be determined through the Arbitration Court process.