Trade unionists in Fiji say they are planning another major march for April, after plans to hold one over the weekend were scuttled.
Nearly 900 people marched in support of ATS workers who claim they were locked out Photo: FTUC
The Fiji Trade Unions Congress had wanted to march on Saturday, but a permit was rejected because the congress' head, Felix Anthony, was under police investigation.
Mr Anthony was arrested at the end of January over comments he made in support of striking airport workers in Nadi, which the police equated to "sabotaging the economy."
The workers had been locked out by the company Air Terminal Services, but were allowed to return when the courts intervened.
However, on Friday, the director of public prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, said the comments did not constitute any offence.
Mr Anthony said the union was planning another march, but he doubted it would be approved.
"We have actually applied for a permit today for a march on the 7th of April and we'll have to wait and see what excuse the government comes up with next," he said.
Felix Anthony Photo: RNZ
Meanwhile, Mr Anthony said he was not surprised the public prosecutor decided not to push ahead with charges against him.
"The excuse that was given was a lame one, the investigations were mainly to intimidate me and the trade union movement, and that it was improper that the workers of this country be denied the right to march, the right to protest."
