EFL rejects bad-faith claims as dispute with CETWUF continues

Energy Fiji Limited (EFL) says the Construction Energy Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) is continuing to pursue 2024 and 2025 claims that have already been dealt with by the Arbitration Court, insisting the next round of negotiations can only begin from 2026.

In a strongly worded public notice, EFL chief executive officer Fatiaki Gibson said the Arbitration Court's June 11, 2026 ruling confirmed that the 2023 Master Collective Agreement, arising from a Mediated Agreement signed by EFL and CETWUF in September 2023, remained in force for two years.

The agreement provides that salaries and wages are locked for that two-year period.

EFL said the court's findings confirmed that the 2024 and 2025 Logs of Claim (LOCs) were covered by the existing agreement and that new negotiations were only to commence from 2026.

"In light of the Court's determination, EFL is unable to understand why CETWUF's recent correspondence and public statements continue to rely on matters relating to the 2024 and 2025 Logs of Claim (LOCs), particularly when those matters were fully considered during the Arbitration proceedings and are inconsistent with the Court's findings," EFL said.

"EFL expects both parties to respect and comply with the Court's decision and to focus discussions on matters that remain legitimately outstanding."

EFL rejects union assertions

EFL said CETWUF's recent publication demonstrated what it described as a continued pattern of assertions inconsistent with the Mediated Agreement and Arbitration Court findings.

"Such statements have the potential to mislead union members and the wider public regarding the true status of the matters in dispute."

EFL also claimed CETWUF's approach had affected confidence among its employees.

It said only about 25 per cent of EFL employees remained CETWUF members, which EFL claimed demonstrated declining support for the union's approach and messaging.

'At no stage has EFL refused to engage'

EFL said it provided a written response in June 2026 to CETWUF's claims dated December 3, 2025, and February 25, 2026, and had continued efforts to progress discussions with the union.

"At no stage has EFL refused to engage with the Union. On the contrary, EFL has remained available and willing to participate in discussions aimed at resolving outstanding matters through lawful and constructive dialogue."

The company also rejected suggestions that it had failed to act in good faith.

"EFL therefore firmly rejects any suggestion that it has failed to act in good faith or has been unwilling to address the Union's claims. The record clearly demonstrates EFL's continued commitment to meaningful engagement, lawful processes, and constructive industrial relations."

EFL said it would continue to comply with the Arbitration Court's ruling, the Employment Relations Act and agreements entered into in good faith.