Fiji Trades Union Congress national secretary Felix Anthony has called on Pacific leaders to ensure that workers’ rights and the implementation of core labour standards remain high on their agenda.
Speaking at the inaugural Pacific Regional Tripartite Conference & 50th Anniversary of the International Labour Organization in the Pacific in Nadi yesterday, Mr Anthony said in the Pacific region, where “we now face more challenges because of labour migration and skill shortages, strengthening trade unions and an enabling environment for trade unions to operate without fear was extremely important”.
“If workers earn adequately, they spend, and businesses thrive — the economy progresses,” he said.
“I commend the International Labor Organization for remaining our pillar of strength for the issues we have as trade unions in the region.
“The last 50 years have been remarkable, but not without challenges, and we aspire to reach more milestones in the years to come, of course, with your support. I pay homage to the former directors who served in our region and have passed on, and those who are still around, our appreciation and greetings for your dedicated service to our region.
“I also thank our friend, director Martin Wandera, and his team for their tireless efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the region, and who has led the planning of this event together with the Ministry of Employment.”
The four-day conference will conclude on Thursday.