1 week Ago By ANISH CHAND
Construction Energy & Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) has challenged Fiji National Provident Fund to intervene in the current impasse it has with Aspen Medical. CETWUF Secretary General John Paul states they have observed restrain in order to avoid any industrial action in the two hospitals. “On the other hand, Aspen, instead of talking to the Union and resolving the matter are making inflammatory and provoking statements in the news media,” he said.
“This is not assisting in maintaining staff morale to a respectable level.” “We are advising the general public that we are seriously considering going on strike in Lautoka and Ba hospitals.” Mr Paul added they have 200 workers at the two hospitals which include chefs and cooks, ward assistants, pharmacist, laundry staff, maintenance staff, ground staffs, drivers including ambulance drivers, security guards, cleaners, admin staff, operating theatre technicians, X Ray and blood testing technicians.
FNPF has 80 percent shares in Aspen Medical Healthcare Fiji and two representatives on the board and the public-private partnership (PPP) signed with the Fiji First Government. “Aspen Medical is hiding behind the PPP agreement to justify its non-negotiation stand with the Union. To make it worse in a recent media statement by Aspen, stating that they are ready for any strike action.
” “We also fail to understand the silence of FNPF who owns 80% of Aspen and more because FNPF is the custodian of all Workers savings in the country.” “How can FNPF condone such anti-worker management in one of its subsidiaries?”.
