9 Feb 2016

Fiji union wants ILO to pressure govt over worker rights

7:44 am on 9 February 2016

A Fiji union says government efforts to address workers rights do not go far enough, and it's asking the International Labour Organisation to continue to pressure the government to rectify these issues.

An agreement on labour laws was recently reached between the government, employers and the Fiji Trades Union Congress, following an ILO mission to Fiji.

However another union body, the Fiji Islands Council of Trade Unions, met its members on Saturday to discuss what it says are major issues that have been omitted from the agreement.

Its general secretary, Attar Singh, said these included the restoration of the collective agreement, the political parties decree which restricts political rights, and the freedom of association provisions.

"These outstanding issues are crucial, and we have therefore taken the decision to inform the ILO of our position and to call upon the ILO to continue to pressure the Fiji government to bring about changes to these outstanding issues."

Fiji election candidate and former trade unionist, Attar Singh.

Attar Singh Photo: RNZI / Sally Round