17 Dec 2007

Fiji tourism workers continue to suffer as industry stays in coup-induced slump

7:30 pm on 17 December 2007

The Fiji Tourism Workers Union says a plan to offer more discounted holiday deals next year will only cause more suffering to the workers there.

Tourist arrivals have shrunk by about four percent since the coup last year and many hotels continue to offer cheap package deals next year to attract visitors.

The reduced margins mean job losses or shorter hours for staff and the Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industry estimates about 60 percent of workers are affected.

Its general secretary, Daniel Urai, says it will remain a problem if the discounting continues.

"If they extend having a greater discount, then they normally don't get their financial target for the end of a normal year [and] the reduced hours or reduced rates will continue for the workers in terms of that. And it's unfortunate if that continues in the new year."

Daniel Urai.