Government shipyard workers received a warm welcome from the management of the Carpenters MCI Group in 1996 and were reassured their future in the company was secure.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on May 2 that year, the workers were told, in the presence of Trade and Commerce Minister Jim Ah Koy, that they needed to improve their performance for their own benefit and for the good of the nation.
Carpenters MCI Group chairman Robert Booth said although workers would experience a different working structure under the new management, there would be no major changes to the nature of their work. However, he cautioned that greater discipline would be required to achieve better performance.
Mr Booth said with the land and seabed issues resolved, the company was ready to take on new challenges. He said the company was considering re-employing workers who had been made redundant, depending on the amount of overtime work carried out during the year.
He also confirmed that the 160 workers who had been promised jobs were re-employed from the previous day. Mr Booth said the workers’ first major task would be the renovation and upgrading of the shipyard.
Addressing the workers, Mr Ah Koy said their strong performance would enhance the company’s international standing. He added that the promise made to them had now been fulfilled, and it was their responsibility to make full use of the opportunity provided.
Outgoing shipyard manager Mosese Duilomaloma said he appreciated the manner in which some workers had been compensated with reasonable payouts and subsequently recalled to be part of the new workforce.
He urged workers to remain loyal to their employers, saying their commitment would benefit the company, their families, and the country.
