WAGE theft has become rampant in our country, according to Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) national president Daniel Urai.
Speaking during the 51st FTUC Biennial Delegates Conference in Nadi on Saturday, Mr Urai said the congress is calling for stronger legislation.
“Recently, the Minister for Labour mentioned in Parliament that his ministry had recovered $4 million in unpaid wages from employers that was owed to workers,” he said.
“But we all know that is just the tip of the iceberg. We call for stronger legislation that discourages employers from such unethical practices.”
Mr Urai said every worker in Fiji should matter irrespective of the time and workplace.
“Be it a factory or an office,” he said.
“We must not forget that workers’ contribution to the profits that businesses earn or make, and the growth of our economy is made possible by workers. Workers are the creators of wealth, indeed, both as workers and as consumers, and this must be recognised, not ignored or forgotten.”
Mr Urai said tripartism also exists in the Fiji National Provident Fund Board which was demolished by the previous regime.
“We look forward to this government fixing this and reverting it to what it was, a tripartite structure with workers, employers and Government on the board.
“It is noteworthy that 86 per cent or 376,111 of members have saving less than $40,000.
“Furthermore, government’s announcement on the fuel austerity measure for FNPF contributions to be reduced puts workers worse off and fending for themselves.
“In fact, this measure gives employers greater benefit as they have to pay less but workers lose out because their balances will accumulate slowly now.”
