Workers hired over a three-month period at a resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast have reported troubling incidents of mistreatment and exploitation, prompting a labor dispute. Daniel Urai, the General Secretary of the National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industries Employees (NUHCTIE), raised these alarming concerns during a discussion about the Employment Relations Amendment Act with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs in Nadi this week.
Urai did not disclose the name of the resort involved, but he emphasized that workers experienced inadequate treatment from their employers, often under scrutiny for minor issues that could lead to termination. He commented, “The resort in question hired workers without ever providing them with contracts, employed them for over three months without payslips, and neglected to contribute to their FNPF.”
The situation escalated as affected workers sought assistance from the union. According to Urai, these workers were assigned attractive titles yet performed the same duties as their peers while receiving lower wages and lacking access to sick leave. He warned that even minor performance lapses could result in immediate dismissal.
In response to these serious labor violations, the union is committed to improving relations between employers and employees to ensure fair treatment. Despite efforts to contact Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh for comments, inquiries went unanswered at the time of publication.
This incident highlights ongoing issues recently addressed by the Ministry of Employment regarding wage theft and mistreatment impacting both local and migrant laborers in Fiji. Permanent Secretary Maritino Nemani underscored the critical need for employers to adhere to Fiji’s labor laws, which protect workers’ rights. The ministry has expressed its commitment to creating a work environment that upholds these rights while enhancing overall organizational productivity. Plans for regular audits are set to hold violators accountable and seek justice for those affected.
As discussions continue, the collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including trade unions and employers, aim to foster a safer and more equitable workplace culture in Fiji. This commitment inspires hope for the establishment of a work environment where employee rights are not only acknowledged but respected, ultimately benefiting the entire community.