The National Union of Workers (NUW) is urging the Prime Minister of Fiji to step in regarding recent redundancies at Fiji Water, asserting that the company has failed to properly consult with the union before making these decisions. During a Town Hall meeting organized by the Fijian Media Association in Tavua, Satish Chandra from the union’s Industrial Relations Office expressed significant concern about Fiji Water’s noncompliance with its collective agreement, as the company reportedly sent employees home without adequate dialogue or consideration of their circumstances.
Chandra appealed to the Prime Minister to encourage negotiations between Fiji Water and the union in order to develop a memorandum of agreement before any further redundancies occur, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for affected workers, particularly those with families relying on their incomes.
In response, a representative for the Employment Minister indicated that the issues raised would be handled in accordance with the Employment Relations Act and existing collective agreements. They reaffirmed that disputes between employers and employees should follow the necessary mediation processes within the Ministry.
Moreover, Chandra highlighted growing concerns about the increasing number of foreign workers in Fiji, suggesting that this trend has sidelined local Fijians from potential job opportunities. He mentioned specific instances of Chinese workers at the Vatukoula Gold Mine and Bangladeshi workers within various sectors as part of this pattern.
The Ministry’s official recognized the apprehensions related to foreign labor, stating that the government is working with the Ministry of Immigration to regulate recruitment agencies. This effort aims to ensure that appropriate procedures are followed, and that foreign workers should only be employed when there are no qualified local candidates available.
This situation reflects ongoing discussions about the rights and treatment of foreign workers in Fiji, an issue that has gained attention due to the challenges faced by Bangladeshi workers in particular. Previously, Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh had cautioned foreign workers to adhere strictly to their contracts, as violations could lead to deportation.
Overall, the discussions surrounding this issue aim to establish a fair working environment that respects the rights of both local and foreign workers. There is hope that the outcomes of these negotiations will pave the way for a more inclusive and stable labor market, contributing positively to Fiji’s economic health.