Aspen workers set February strike date

More than 200 staff from Lautoka and Ba hospitals have voted to strike, with action set for 7am on February 6, 2025.

The Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) National Secretary, John Paul, confirmed the decision yesterday.

Workers involved include cleaners, ward assistants, grounds staff, clinical coders, kitchen hands, laboratory staff, security personnel, and administrative staff.

“All of them have voted to strike and are now eagerly waiting for February 6,” Mr Paul said.

He confirmed the union served Aspen Medical with a strike notice on January 13, 2025, as required by law.

“By law, we must give at least 14 days’ written notice to the employer and the Arbitration Court. We’ve also provided extra time, hoping the company will negotiate and resolve the impasse,” he said.

Mr Paul criticised Aspen Medical for delaying negotiations, citing their claim of awaiting clarity from stakeholders on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.

“This is insane. How can Aspen operate while ignoring workers’ demands for improved wages and working conditions?”

He stressed that health workers’ grievances have been ignored since Aspen took over the hospital operations.

“If Aspen refuses to negotiate on the Log of Claims, the strike will proceed on February 6 and continue until the dispute is resolved,” Mr Paul warned.

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