The National Union of Workers is calling on the Prime Minister of Fiji to intervene in the situation regarding Fiji Water, which has reportedly enacted redundancies without adequate consultation with the union. During a recent Town Hall Meeting held by the Fijian Media Association in Tavua, Satish Chandra from the union’s Industrial Relations Office expressed concern that Fiji Water has not adhered to its collective agreement, sending workers home without proper dialogue or consideration.
Chandra urged the Prime Minister to direct both parties to enter negotiations and reach a memorandum of agreement prior to moving forward with any redundancies, stressing that the workers affected deserve fair compensation, particularly as many have families to support.
In response to these claims, a representative from the Employment Minister indicated that the issues would be addressed in accordance with the Employment Relations Act and the existing collective agreement procedures. They emphasized that disputes between employers and employees must undergo the proper mediation processes within the Ministry.
Chandra also raised alarms regarding the increasing presence of foreign workers in Fiji, suggesting that local Fijians are being sidelined in employment opportunities. He cited specific cases involving Chinese workers at the Vatukoula Gold Mine and Bangladeshi workers in various sectors as examples of this trend.
The Ministry’s officer acknowledged the concerns over foreign labor and stated that the government is actively collaborating with the Ministry of Immigration to regulate recruitment agencies, ensuring that proper procedures are observed and that foreign workers are only utilized when no qualified locals are available.
This situation echoes ongoing discussions surrounding the rights and treatment of foreign workers in Fiji, as highlighted by recent reports of issues faced by Bangladeshi workers. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh had previously warned foreign workers about the importance of honoring their contracts, with violations potentially leading to deportation.
The collective aim of these discussions is to foster a more equitable working environment for both local and foreign workers, ensuring respect and fair treatment is practiced across all sectors of the economy. The hope remains that these efforts will cultivate a more inclusive and stable labor market that benefits all parties involved, ultimately contributing to Fiji’s overall economic health.