International Labour Organisation director general Gilbert Houngbo says he can only encourage the Fiji Government to work with trade unions and worker groups in the country.
He said this at a press conference at the ILO’s 17th Asia Pacific Regional Meeting in Singapore after queries from The Fiji Times.
“While managing a country and managing a community, you need dialogue. This dialogue is also important for social cohesion, particularly when it comes to work,” he said.
“As you know the ILO is very active in Fiji and has been working on these issues for years and we do want to encourage tripartism in all countries.
“I have not come here to tell you that the situation is worse in Fiji compared to other places.
“We see a great deal of concern when tripartism is not affective.
“If this is the case in Fiji as you mention, then I can only encourage the parties to come together.
“I certainly do not have a lesson or message for the government of Fiji, but as Director General of ILO, I am duty bound to really encourage and promote social dialogue in the context of tripartism for the good of all of us.
“Sometime unilateral decision (by government) is the best decision on a short-front on decisions that affect workers in the private sector, particular the small businesses.
“But the decisions to be long-lasting, it has to be on the foundation of a true, effective social dialogue on tripartism.”
