As the interim administration prepares for the strike by the public sector unions, government employees who plan to go on strike are being warned that they will have their pay suspended based on the number of days they spend on strike.

In a circular to all civil servants Acting Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Tom Lee warns that striking workers will have their pay docked and said a list will be drawn up of those officers on strikes.

Lee said each ministry and department will also be required to keep a register during the stoppage period as attendance and staff movement will be closely monitored especially in the essential services area. The PSC also said that all leave for the said period should be deferred or cancelled for the time civil servants are on strike.

A National Coordinating Task Force has now been appointed to monitor closely the strike threats made by the unions and implement the contingency plans by Ministries and Departments.

However, Fiji Public Service Association Industrial Advisor Nirbhay Singh said their members are aware that they will not be paid and it is a sacrifice they are willing to make.

The Fiji Nursing Association believes that the nation wide strike will be a message to the interim administration that the plight of workers needs to be heard and looked into.

FNA General Secretary, Kuini Lutua also said that during negotiations the interim administration should ensure that the right people take part in meetings on their behalf.

Meanwhile Interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said the interim government will not stop people from going on strike. Commodore Bainimarama also said civil servants who decide to go on strike will not lose their jobs. He added that the government intentionally removed the Public Emergency Regulation so that the unions can have their freedom to go on strike.