Undemocratic government taking away Fijian workers rights to unionise

The CTU is deeply concerned by reports from Fiji of a Decree that gives absolute power to the Military Regime and to companies deemed "critical corporations" and takes away rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining from Fijian workers.

While details are murky, reports suggest that the Decree will remove the rights of Fijians to vote freely for their own union representatives. The Decree will stop elected union representatives holding union member elected offices, unless the government regulation approves. The Decree is also said to allow for the government and corporations to set wages and conditions, removing the right for Fijian workers to collectively bargain.

Richard Wagstaff, CTU Vice President said "We deplore this move by an unelected, and undemocratic government. We've heard that the Decree is being issued under the pretext of "continued viability and sustainability of critical national industries" and "avoidance of interruption", we see it as just another way to marginalise the voice of working Fijians."

"We've heard reports that the corporations have been deeply involved in the drafting of this Decree, while the unions have been left on the sideline. It's a disgrace that corporations have been allowed this much power to effectively render the fundamental labour rights, and current terms and conditions of employment of Fijian workers meaningless" said Wagstaff.

The CTU is seeking further information on the Decree.

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