STRESS is a workplace hazard, yet we do not see it nor recognise it as one of the killers of young lives, says Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) general treasurer Muniappa Goundar.
Speaking at an event to mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work in Suva yesterday, he said as a union representative, he was interested to know of good practices where the mental health of a worker is supported through company policies or structures.
“Teachers are overloaded with admin work and teaching loads,” Mr Goundar said.
“The ILO standards promote work life balance, and we advocate for descent jobs with descent wages.
“We are losing workers to overseas countries whether they are skilled or unskilled, young or experienced.”
He said the unions have been calling on the Government to ensure workers in Fiji were given fair treatments, their right to be union members without fear or duress and to be rewarded beyond the basic of just a wage or salary so we could retain them.
“The current generation of workers desire more than what we used to.
“A pay scale and an increase once in a few years is not enough to keep them in the country.
“Their wish to buy a car, a house, have the luxuries of life, such as good food, clothes, and entertainment cannot be sustained by just a pay scale.”
Mr Goundar said workers were also resorting to drugs and robbery, making workplaces as well as the country unsafe.
“This puts pressure on our disciplined forces as well as the judiciary.
“I must state that our country needs to be looked after well particularly at this time where we are facing skill and labour shortage across the country.”
He said safety at work must be at the core of a business and any breach must be dealt with immediate effect.
