Recognise Workers' Rights at Turtle Island, Fiji!

Fiji Turtle Island Dispute: ILO Rules Government Failed to Stem Anti-Union Acts

The story below appeared in the Fiji Daily Post and is presented here for the interests of readers. The story does not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the IUF and its affiliates. The story refers to a decision of the International Labour Organisation in this matter (a full version can be found here); for the purposes of clarification we have included quotes from the Council's decision, these, however, did not appear in the original article.

Government 'neglect' angers union

Fiji Daily Post
3 July 2004

Fiji Trades Union Congress has urged the government to ensure no employer violates workers' right to join a union.

National secretary Felix Anthony said a complaint had been lodged with [the] International Labour Organisation against [the] government for failing to inform Turtle Island Resort workers of their rights.

Extract of International Labour Organisation Committee on Freedom of Association Ruling on Turtle Island Resort and Government of Fiji

"..the Government has not yet taken any action to guarantee protection against acts of interference despite repeated requests, the Committee urges it to take all necessary measures, including legislation, so as to investigate and put an end to any acts of anti-union discrimination and interference in this case."

Mr Anthony said [the] government had not taken actions against the resort's management after it refused to recognise the National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industries Employees (NUHCTIE).

Mr Anthony said the ILO had ruled in the union's favour, saying, "[the] government had not taken any action to guarantee protection against acts of interference despite repeated requests."

"Currently more than 60 workers remain terminated by management of Turtle Island Resort for exercising their right to join NUHCTIE," he said. He said the government should act on the findings of the Freedom of Association Committee and put in place penalties for deliquent employers.

"To date, no employer has been taken to task for violating workers right to join unions and their right to collective bargaining," he said.

END
[2004.07.15]