In an attempt to avoid a strike by 200 staff members at Lautoka and Ba Hospitals, Aspen Medical and the Construction, Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji will hold a final round of negotiations this afternoon.
The CETWUF Union filed its Log of Claims with Aspen early last year on behalf of its members, seeking improvements in terms and conditions of employment as well as an increase in wages and salaries.
The dispute between the two parties over the settlement of the union’s Log of Claims has been referred to the Fiji Mediation Centre.
CETWUF National Secretary John Paul says they have 200 members at Lautoka and Ba hospitals who are employed as cleaners, ward assistants, grounds staff, laundry hands, clinical coders, ward clerks, kitchen hands, chefs, procurement officers, laboratory staff, supervisors, security guards, drivers, CSSD attendants, assistant technicians, morgue assistants, cashiers, administration staff, and maintenance staff.
Aspen had earlier stated that the matter now rests with the government, and they are awaiting a decision.
They emphasised that the care and well-being of patients remain their primary concern.
Aspen added that should the strike action proceed, their contingency plan to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services for the people of Fiji will be implemented.
A total of 200 workers could go on strike from Thursday at 7am.
