The most difficult period for workers’ rights in Fiji was during the reign of the previous government.
Fiji Trades Union Congress national secretary Felix Anthony highlighted this during the Pacific Regional Tripartite Conference & 50th Anniversary of the ILO in the Pacific in Nadi yesterday.
“In Fiji, through the assistance and the guidance of the ILO under the leadership of various directors and regional directors, a lot has been achieved, and some milestones are to be achieved soon,” he said.
“The very first wholesome labour law review has finally progressed and been presented in Parliament, and we await the draft Bill to be passed by Parliament in the coming month.
“This review has long been overdue and has taken into account the recommendations of the Committee of experts of the ILO.
“The workers of this country envisage this review to be a lifeline and for it to bring some relief in how we promote and safeguard workers’ rights in this country.
“This is after 16 years of serious challenges that workers and unions faced during the reign of the previous government.
“That has to go on record as the most difficult period for workers’ rights in Fiji.”
Mr Anthony said in 2013, FTUC utilised the ILO Supervisory Mechanisms to report on the violations of Convention 87, the Freedom of Association and the Right to Organise.
“And through this, Fiji was put on notice for breach of workers’ and trade union rights.
“The role of the ILO is crucial for strengthening industrial peace in our region and the world over.
“The trade union movement continues to strive to strengthen the supervisory mechanism of the ILO as we see the weakening and suppression of democratic norms in the Asia Pacific region and indeed around the world.
“We cannot talk of decent work, rights, and freedoms without democracy.”