The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has responded to recent statements from the Health Services Workers’ Union (HSWU) suggesting the government is delaying in finalising their Conditions of Service negotiations.

In a press release issued on November 7, 2024, the HSWU indicated an intention to “advise themselves in a language Government best understands” if negotiations were not concluded by Monday, November 11.

The FWSC has outlined a timeline of events and actions that indicate consistent efforts by the government to reach a timely resolution.

According to FWSC, the negotiation process between the government and the HSWU has been conducted in alignment with Section 97 of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651), which governs negotiations for Conditions of Service. The FWSC stated that it has “at all times shown great commitment” to these negotiations, and highlighted several meetings and actions that demonstrate its responsiveness to HSWU’s proposals.

Timeline of Events

1. Initial Engagement and Agreement:
   • HSWU submitted its Conditions of Service proposals earlier this year. Subsequently, on 17 April 2024, both parties signed Rules of Engagement, initiating the negotiation process.
   • Following this, a series of meetings were held to negotiate the proposed terms and ensure clarity and mutual agreement.
2. 9 October Meeting and HSWU's New Demand:
   • On 9 October 2024, the parties met to finalise and sign the agreement. However, at the close of the meeting, HSWU requested a pause on the signing, as they felt the agreement might not benefit the majority of their members and expressed a wish to add new items for consideration.
   • FWSC reports that the government cautioned HSWU about the potential for delays if new demands were introduced at such a late stage. However, the government invited HSWU to submit their new requests in writing for review.
3. New Demand Submission and Subsequent Meetings:
   • On 15 October 2024, the government received a formal addendum from HSWU, which hindered the immediate conclusion of the initial negotiations based on the original proposal.
   • Despite this setback, the FWSC invited HSWU to a follow-up meeting scheduled for 7 November. However, just hours before this meeting, HSWU issued a press release suggesting potential strike action. The FWSC viewed this press release as an “unfair labour practice and a show of bad faith,” calling on HSWU to retract the statement and apologise for the perceived intimidation.
4. Latest Negotiations and Remaining Issues:
   • The FWSC reports that as of the last meeting on 7 November, there is only one outstanding item remaining to be resolved in the negotiations. Both parties have agreed to reconvene on Monday, 11 November, with the aim of reaching a final agreement.

FWSC’s Response to HSWU’s Press Release

FWSC expressed surprise at the HSWU’s press release and the union's stated intention to take action if negotiations are not concluded by 11 November. The Commission reiterated its commitment to concluding the negotiations in a fair and timely manner, urging HSWU to continue with constructive dialogue to ensure the best possible outcome for its members.

The FWSC emphasised that “threatening and intimidating a party despite all the goodwill that the Government has demonstrated amounts to bad faith, and Government cannot be accused of any delays.” FWSC expressed optimism that the remaining item can be resolved during the upcoming meeting on Monday and encouraged the union to engage collaboratively.