The Employment Ministry is currently examining a complaint filed by the National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industries Employees (NUHCTIE) regarding alleged worker exploitation at an unnamed international resort located on the Coral Coast. This was confirmed by Minister Agni Deo Singh, who stated that the ministry received the official complaint from union general secretary Daniel Urai on November 6.
Concerns were initially raised earlier this month during consultations in Nadi focused on the Employment Relations Amendment Act, following reports from workers who had recently joined the union. Urai reported instances where employees faced termination threats and were scrutinized over minor issues. Additionally, allegations emerged that staff were often underpaid, not provided with employment contracts despite being employed for over three months, and did not receive payslips or the necessary contributions to their Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
Minister Singh noted that the complaints included allegations of discriminatory practices, claiming that the resort’s chief engineer had dismissed employees based on their union membership. He emphasized that the ministry is investigating these complaints in line with the Employment Relations Act 2007. As part of the investigation, the employer will have the chance to respond to the allegations.
Violations of the Employment Relations Act are treated seriously, with penalties that could entail fines up to $10,000 for individuals and $50,000 for corporations, highlighting the government’s commitment to upholding labor rights.
Similar reports have surfaced in the tourism sector, indicating broader issues of worker mistreatment, such as the lack of safety in transportation provided to employees. The Fiji Tourism Workers Union recently raised concerns about the poor conditions and legality of transport services for hotel staff, reinforcing the need for compliance with labor laws and safety standards.
The current situation underscores a growing movement advocating for worker rights, with labor unions expressing hopes for constructive dialogue between employees and employers to improve conditions within the hospitality industry. By addressing these issues collaboratively, there is potential for establishing a fairer work culture that benefits both workers and the overall productivity of the tourism sector in Fiji.