Worker and trade union rights in Fiji are under attack from the military regime

The idyllic island paradise travellers to Fiji experience is in stark contrast to the fear and oppression the Pacific nation’s workers wake up to each morning. Following a recent Government decree, collective bargaining rights have been curtailed, independent unions have been all but outlawed, basic working conditions such as overtime pay have been scrapped, and union leaders are subjected to daily harassment and intimidation.

Recently in Australia, the General Secretary of Fiji's Trade Unions Congress, Felix Anthony painted an horrific picture of the abuse that goes hand in hand with the decimation of workers' rights by Commodore Frank Bainimarama's military regime.

Mr Anthony, himself detained and assaulted by the military on two occasions, refuses to accept the regime's attempts to curtail basic human and workers' rights.

The FTUC's President Daniel Urai was recently arrested and will face court on 2 September for meeting with workers who are trying to negotiate a collective agreement.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Commodore Bainimarama you support workers' rights and want human rights and freedoms restored in Fiji

The reality for workers in Fiji is they have few rights; they go to work each day in fear and any attempts to stand up for their rights have grave physical repercussions.

About 50% of Fijians live below the poverty line, including more than half of those in full-time employment.

Fijians need more worker rights, not less.
The military has taken over workplaces, acting as management, and applying dictator-style rule to inflict fear-driven obedience from workers.

Union members are routinely physically assaulted and harassed. Employees are too frightened to attend union meetings due to the threat of repercussions. Intimidation rules.

In the Fiji public service, the military has all but taken over, with regime leaders holding the most senior roles.

Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA is disturbed by the dismantling of workers' rights in Fiji.

TAKE ACTION: Tell Commodore Bainimarama you support workers' rights and want human rights and freedoms restored in Fiji

What else can you do?
Fijian workers need our help to raise awareness about what is happening to their rights. Help make an impact:

• Share this campaign with your friends and family on Facebook and Twitter

• Download and share the Human Rights for Fiji Postcard

• Download a poster and put it up in your workplace, school or community centre

Latest news
12 Sept 2011 - Unions condemn Fiji's continued attack on workers' rights

© Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA 2003.

Last Modified: Tuesday, 13-Sep-2011 10:36:41 EST
This page: http://apheda.org.au/news/1314681027_31908.html