An informal mediation begins between the workers and Natural Waters of Viti Limited (Fiji Water)

Representatives of employees of Natural Waters of Viti Limited (Fiji Water), based at the Yaqara factory in Ra and the Naikabula depot in Lautoka, have begun informal mediation talks with the company.

This was confirmed to fijivillage News by Marerai Vatege, Senior Industrial Relations Officer of the National Union of Workers, who said workers are still on strike.

While we are trying to get further comment, we have been told that they are awaiting further instructions from the General Secretary of the National Union of Workers, Felix Anthony, who flew out of the country this morning.

The union’s claims log for the years 2023 and 2024 includes adjustments to the cost of living and other employment benefits, the employer’s alleged inability to establish shift schedules in accordance with the law and the inability to pay overtime that has been pending since 2018 is, the alleged inability of the employer to negotiate and agree on a shift allowance, transportation arrangements for employees required to work overtime before and after their normal shift, the alleged inability of the employer to negotiate and agree on a performance review rounds, and the employer’s alleged decision to hire casuals on a rotational basis for permanent jobs with individual contracts and conditions that are discriminatory and contrary to the collective bargaining agreement between the union and the company.

Stay with us for developments.