17 Jul 2009

Fiji govt urged to talk to unions over redundancies

12:53 pm on 17 July 2009

The interim government in Fiji is being urged to talk to unions before it goes ahead with redundancy packages for public servants.

The Public Service Commission announced this week that it plans to cut the number of public servants by another 20% as part of reforms to be completed by next year.

Some 2500 public servants were made to retire in April after their retirement age was lowered to 55.

The commission says it plans to shed another 6000 jobs and staff will be asked to take voluntary redundancy.

Council of Trade Unions general secretary Attar Singh, says unions have not been informed of any redundancy proposals.