There were a lot of happy people within the association who are looking forward to returning to work, says Federated Airline Services Association president Semisi Turagabaleti.
This after Government confirmed a total of 285 workers would be returning to Air Terminal Services (ATS) on top of a $5000 goodwill payment.
“There are a lot of happy people in the room,” Mr Turagabaleti said following a talanoa session with members in Nadi recently.
“Their families have suffered.”
He said the workers that would be returning were members who have gone through financial challenges over the last few years.
“Some of the members who we had written on their behalf to banks to assist them in extending their mortgage deadlines.
“Some have almost lost their homes and they have come to the union to help them with that.
“Those are the people that we have prioritised.
“So that they can go back to work and to the loaning institutions and to reassure them that they are working again and they will continue with their lives.”
While meeting with unionists in Suva over the weekend, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said he made a professional and personal commitment to bringing back Fiji Airways and Air Terminal Services staff who were laid off during the COVID19 pandemic.
“285 employees of Air Terminal Services are expected to return to work and will be paid $5000 in goodwill payment, 212 employees of Fiji Airways will be reinstated, the no jab, no job policy which cost people their jobs, has been revoked and civil service retirement age was increased to 60 and arrangements are being implemented to change contract appointments into permanent positions,” said Mr Gavoka.
