The Fiji Trades Union Congress labelled comments made by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama to a former Fiji Airways flight attendant as “most insensitive and misleading”.
During a talanoa session in Nadi this week, Mr Bainimarama told former flight attendant Orisi Rayaqona that he did not interfere in board and management decisions.
FTUC president Dan Urai said the PM had gone back on his word by saying he could not get involved.
“On one occasion the PM promises to put Fijians back in the jobs they love.
Which Fijians was he referring to,” asked Mr Urai.
Mr Urai was referring to comments made by Mr Bainimarama in a Facebook advertisement in support of the Love Our Locals initiative.
“The Fiji Airways flight attendants were terminated without doing anything wrong.
“To advertise their jobs without giving them the opportunity to return to their jobs is unreasonable and unfair.
“A reasonable board and management should have allowed flight attendants leave without pay but re-employ them when the situation improves.
“For the PM to say he does not interfere with the decision of boards in this case is an excuse to shy away from Government’s responsibilities to the flight attendants and other workers within Fiji Airways.
“A collective agreement exists between the flight attendants and Fiji Airways.
“It is the responsibility of Government to ensure everyone respects the law in this country including Fiji Airways.”
