THE Employment Ministry is investigating a complaint lodged by the National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industries Employees (NUHCTIE) over allegations that an international resort on the Coral Coast has been exploiting and mistreating workers.
This has been confirmed by line minister Agni Deo Singh who said the ministry received the official complaint from union general secretary Daniel Urai on November 6.
The issue came to light earlier this month during the Nadi consultations on the Employment Relations Amendment Act after the workers joined the union.
While the union has withheld the name of the resort, Mr Urai claimed staff were often subjected to threats of termination and scrutiny over minor issues.
He claimed the staff were frequently short-paid, never given contracts despite working for more than three months, never issued payslips, and were not paid their FNPF contributions.
Mr Singh confirmed the complaints include allegations that the resort’s chief engineer sent staff home due to their union membership.
“The ministry is currently investigating the complaint in accordance with the provisions of the Employment Relations Act 2007,” he said.
The minister said the employer would be provided the opportunity to explain their side of the story as part of the set procedures.
“Breaches under the Employment Relations Act 2007 are serious, carrying a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years for an individual, and a fine not exceeding $50,000 for a company, corporation, or a trade union,” he said.
