23 May 2007

Fiji Nurses Association waiting for confirmation of secret ballot results on possible strike

9:04 am on 23 May 2007

The Fiji Nurses Association is still waiting for confirmation of its secret ballot results on possible strike action from the Ministry of Labour.

The strike threat follows the interim administration announcing pay cuts for all public servants and a reduced retirement age from 60 to 55 in its budget.

All public sector unions have held ballots in favour of a strike and most have received a confirmation of their results from the Ministry, except the Fiji Nurses Association.

Its general secretary, Kuini Lutua, says despite expecting confirmation within days, they are still waiting.

"We are really wanting a quick response from the minister for labour in terms of providing us with essential information that we need to have, which means that they have accepted our report before we can decide on what other action to take."

Kuini Lutua from the Nurses Association in Fiji.

The public sector unions are planning to hold a meeting this week to decide on their next step but have to wait for all ballot confirmations.