The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) has submitted a series of proposals to the Review Team tasked with modernising the Fiji Police Act 1965, calling for strong protections of police officers’ rights, improved working conditions, and clearer guarantees of political neutrality within the force.
FTUC National Secretary Felix Anthony met with the review panel yesterday at Suvavou House in Suva.
“One of the key issues we raised was the right to representation for police officers, especially in relation to ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which Fiji has ratified,” said Mr Anthony.
“Every worker, including police officers, has the right to freedom of association and to organise. This should be reflected in the Act.”
The union delegation also called for access to natural justice in disciplinary procedures, particularly for lower-ranking officers who may lack legal representation.
“We believe the Act must guarantee a fair process for all police workers, not just uniformed officers, but also administrative and accounts staff who often fall outside the scope of existing protections.”
Other key proposals included ending the five-year re-enlistment system, which FTUC says creates job insecurity and misinterprets long service as re-engagement rather than continuous employment.
The FTUC also called for establishing of a collective bargaining mechanism for officers.
“The police force must be independent and neutral,” said Anthony.
“We want the new legislation to clearly reflect that political interference has no place in police operations.”
