27 May 2002

Fiji govet says public servants assocation action could be tantamount to treason

6:17 am on 27 May 2002

The Fiji government says overseas trade union sanctions against the country instigated by the Fiji Public Servants Association could be tantamount to treason.

The Minister for Public enterprises, Irami Matairavula, has warned that trade union leaders should be ready to face the consequences of their actions because of their seriousness.

The Minster's warning comes after a weekend report that Australian unions have agreed to impose sanctions on sea and air links to Fiji because the state owned Airports Fiji LTD had not give recognition to the FPSA.

Mr Mataraivula says during the government's meetings with the AFL and the FPSA, the association refused to sign an agreements that would have resulted in the AFL giving it voluntary recognition.

He says the government does not understand why the FPSA refused to sign this agreement.

Mr Mataraivula says the issue of recognition is before the High court and the due process of law should be allowed to take its course without the interference of overseas unions