20 July 2011
Air Pacific Threatens NZ Unions
The Council of Trade Unions has today received a letter from lawyers acting for Air Pacific threatening damages if
workers take any action in support of human rights for Fijian workers.
Peter Conway, CTU Secretary, said “it is hypocritical for Air Pacific to rely on employment law in New Zealand to try to
prevent any support for restoration of fundamental employment law in Fiji.”
“This will also make people think twice before using an airline that won’t stand up for the most basic human rights.”
“The CTU has stated from the outset that any action is a decision of members and that we would consult with employers
and the NZ Government before this took place.”
“This heavy-handed and threatening response from Air Pacific is unwarranted and is designed to intimidate New Zealand
workers before they even have an opportunity to discuss the crisis in Fiji, including decrees removing worker rights and
beatings of union officials”.
The CTU is calling on Air Pacific to support the people of Fiji against the military Government and work with
organisations in New Zealand to demand labour laws be restored.
Peter Conway said that the CTU will instruct it’s lawyer to respond to the Simpson Grierson letter.
ENDS