After concerns raised by various Christian denominations, the Government has this morning stressed that this Saturday, December 25th is not a working day.

Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Lt. Col Pio Tikoduadua made the announcement in response to concerns that have been raised that some employers may insist that their workers clock in on Saturday which is Christmas Day because of the public holiday that follows on Monday, the week after.

A government statement said concerns raised have noted that if people work on Saturday then the meaning of Christmas is thoroughly watered down and the day loses its significance.

Colonel Tikoduadua has reminded all employers that this Saturday is not a working day and that employees must not face any discrimination if they do not work on Saturday.

He said Christmas is a time for family and a day for worship.

Other years when Christmas Day fell on a Saturday were 1993, 1999 and 2004.

This comes as the Pacific Conference of Churches called on businesses in the country to respect the setting aside of the 25th of December as the day Christians world-wide celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It said workers who will not turn up to work on Saturday should not be discriminated by not paying them.

PCC General Secretary Fe'iloakitau Tevi said that there should be a respect for religious beliefs and ordinances from employers that should not affect the rights of believers of any faith who may want to attend religious services and spend a religious day of celebrations with their families.
 
And the Indian Division of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma was also very concerned that due to the Christmas Day public holiday being held on Monday, some employers would take advantage to insist that workers including those who are Christian work on Saturday December 25.

Methodist Church Indian Division Superintendent Reverend William Lucas revealed that he wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office requesting him to intervene.