The Fiji Tourism Workers Union has expressed significant alarm over a recent bus accident in Denarau, underscoring the dangerous and subpar transport conditions that hotel workers throughout Fiji are forced to confront. Following reports from union members, it is apparent that vehicles provided for employee transport by hotels are frequently poorly maintained, overcrowded, and not safe for road use, thereby endangering workers’ lives on a daily basis.
Sailesh Naidu, an Employee Relations Consultant at the union, highlighted the critical need for immediate remedial action from both employers and relevant authorities to ensure that all transport arrangements meet national road safety and occupational health regulations. He noted that it is concerning that workers, particularly those in remote locations or those assigned early morning or late-night shifts, are often required to pay out of pocket for their transport. In some instances, hotel management has made such deductions a stipulation of employment, which Naidu described as a clear violation of the Employment Relations Act.
Section 24 of the Act explicitly prohibits unauthorized wage deductions, emphasizing that it is unjust for workers to bear the costs associated with traveling to work when employers dictate the job locations and schedules. The union is urging the Ministry of Employment and the Land Transport Authority to conduct thorough safety inspections of transportation services within the tourism industry.
This latest incident comes amidst ongoing concerns raised about the treatment of workers in Fiji’s hospitality sector. For instance, there have been reports of exploitation and mistreatment of employees, as seen in a labor dispute involving a resort on the Coral Coast, where workers faced harsh scrutiny and contract issues. Similarly, it has been indicated that many workers lack proper access to their entitlements, such as payslips and pension contributions, which raises additional red flags about compliance with labor rights.
Responses to these situations foster hope that collective action from unions and government oversight can promote better practices within the hospitality industry. Just as the recent bus accident has raised awareness about transport safety, the commitment to improved working conditions across the tourism sector could lead to enhanced productivity and worker satisfaction in the future. As authorities and unions work together to advocate for safer operating conditions, there is a positive outlook for achieving fair treatment and improved standards for all workers in Fiji.