The Prime Minister is calling on the Australian and NZ trade unions not to be trapped in the political agenda of some local trade unionists who are now pushing for trade union sanctions against Fiji.
Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the fact remains that about 30 percent of Fiji’s working population is unionized.
He said the question also remains on whether the local trade unionists have sought the approval of their members in pushing for the trade union sanctions.
Commodore Bainimarama believes that the Fijian government is looking after the workers.
He said nothing much has changed as far as the restrictions are concerned but points out that several industry wages councils have approved pay increments for many industry workers.
Commodore Bainimarama said Australian Transport Workers Union’s Tony Sheldon should come to Fiji and speak to garment factory workers and those in the retail sector who have received pay increments through the Wages Councils.
He said the unions should not rely on hearsay.
Meanwhile, the NZ Council of Trade Unions has made it clear that it will not take any immediate action in relation to trade union sanctions.
The Union’s Peter Conway said they have spoken to Felix Anthony and others in NZ however the final decision on any action will be made by the NZ union members.
We have contacted Australian Transport Workers Union’s Tony Sheldon.
He has been in meetings and we have been informed that he will speak to us later.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Do not get trapped in local trade unionists political agenda - PM
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