The Department of Labour was actively involved in addressing a labour dispute reported by the Electricity Supply Trade Union (ESTU) involving BELCO, an essential service provider. This dispute was officially reported to the Acting Manager of Labour Relations on June 10, 2024, and the Department of Labour initiated an investigation.
During the investigation, the ESTU, representing its membership, issued a 21-day strike notice on June 13, 2024. The Department of Labour continued working to resolve the matter, facilitating several mediation sessions between the parties involved. Throughout the mediation process, the ESTU requested two extensions of the strike notice under the provisions of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 2021. Both extension requests were granted, allowing mediation efforts to progress.
The mediation sessions yielded agreements on certain issues while pinpointing others that remained unresolved. Despite these efforts, the parties reached an impasse yesterday afternoon. With the strike notice set to expire yesterday, July 18, 2024, at 11:59 pm, and no further extension requested by the ESTU, the matter was referred to the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal in accordance with section 70 of the Act.
Minister Hayward acknowledged the dedication of both parties, stating, "I wish to thank the parties for their efforts in reaching this point in the negotiations, and I trust that the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal will use every endeavour available to it to settle this matter in a just and equitable manner."
Minister Hayward also noted that, with the Tribunal now overseeing the dispute, he will refrain from commenting further on the details of the case.