The government is now seriously considering tightening the laws relating to trade unionists involved in some political parties and not admitting publicly that they are already using the parties for their benefit.
Under the Political Parties Decree, no public officer including trade unionists should show support for or oppose any political party.
They have to remain neutral and cannot be party officials or support the party through funds or any other means.
Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said it has been noticed that the law is not being followed by some of the trade unionists.
Sayed-Khaiyum said ordinary members of the unions are not paying their subscriptions for some union officials to get into politics.
He also said none of the unions have taken a vote to ask their members if they want to support a party.
Meanwhile, the President of the Fiji Trades Union Congress Daniel Urai has today revealed that he will contest the general elections.
When questioned by Fijivillage, Urai stressed that he sees no reason why he should not go back into politics.
We also asked Urai if he is backing the People’s Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, Fiji Islands Council of Trade Unions General Secretary Attar Singh said the government should remove trade unionists from the list of public officers so that the unionists can still be involved with political parties.
Singh said he does not have to resign from his post if he goes back into politics.
We have also contacted Fiji Public Service Association General Secretary Rajeshwar Singh.
He is yet to comment.
Story by: Vijay Narayan, Dhanjay Deo & Praneeta Prakash
Unionists still want to be involved in politics
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