Fiji: new attacks on workers

Australian unions have condemned the overnight arrest in Fiji of the President of the island nation’s Trades Union Congress, Daniel Urai, amid the introduction of a new decree that places further restrictions on workers’ rights.

ACTU President Ged Kearney has today written to Prime Minister Julia Gillard to urge Australia put maximum diplomatic Pressure on Fiji to immediately release Mr Urai and warn strongly against any attempt to arrest the FTUC Secretary, Felix Anthony.

“We are gravely concerned, in light of these developments, for the safety and continued liberty of all unionists in Fiji, including Mr Felix Anthony,” Ms Kearney wrote in a letter to Ms Gillard today.

The latest actions come after Mr Anthony, who has been previously arrested for speaking out about the military regime’s prohibition of workers’ rights, recently addressed the ACTU Executive about the ongoing situation in Fiji. In a show of support for Australia’s neighbours, the ACTU Executive resolved to call on the Fiji government to restore workers’ rights and democracy through an immediate election.

“Australian unions are deeply troubled that Fiji’s military regime has not only ignored the fact it is under the international microscope, but it has stepped up its attacks on workers’ rights,” Ms Kearney said.
Ms Kearney said other concerning developments yesterday included the adoption of of the draconian
Essential National Industries Employment Decree, which appears to:

• Ban all strikes, slowdowns, sick actions or any action that may negatively impact the employer
• Ban unions from representing workers in negotiating collective bargaining outcomes
• Void all current collective agreements within 60 days
• Provide that after 60 days period any strike or lockout may take place only with the written authority of the Minister
• Ban overtime payments, including for weekend work, work on days off, and work on public holidays unless agreed by the employer
• Cancel all current Wages Council Orders regarding minimum terms and conditions of work in designated industries
• Require that all members, office bearers, officers and executives of the union shall be employees of the designated company
• Applies to all Government owned industries and any other that the Minister may designate

“Also, as reported in the local media, on Monday the Attorney General of Fiji announced he would immediately shut down the process which allows payment of union fees for all public sector workers, including teachers, nurses, the civil service and other government workers,” Ms Kearney said.