A GROUP of more than 20 protesting employees of a haulage company contracted to Pangea Gold Mines in Vatukoula have been asked to resume work while the company sorted salary issues.
The Nadi Contractors Ltd (NCL) workers were locked out by security last Sunday after staging a protest inside the premises, claiming they had not been paid for two weeks.
They claimed the company had not paid workers for overtime and meal allowances.
Mine workers union president Satish Chandra claimed the workers were also denied days off.
“It is sad to see that the company refuses to pay them, especially their overtime,” he said during an interview yesterday morning.
“They reported to work on Sunday but they sat outside to protest the fact they had not been paid.
“On Sunday afternoon they were informed by the security that they were not allowed to enter the property. So they have been outside in the parking lot to protest what the company’s done to them.”
After a meeting with NCL manager Suresh Prasad yesterday, the workers were given a verbal assurance that their two week salary would be paid by yesterday afternoon.
He also requested the workers to return to work at midnight. Mr Chandra said the company had assured they would pay the salaries owed.
“As for the issues of overtime, meal allowances and time-off, the management team will sort that out over the next few days. They have assured us that they will address each issue.”
Fiji Trades Union Congress national secretary Felix Anthony said they hoped that the company addressed the workers concerns.
“Some have been working for up to 60 hours a week and only been paid for 40 hours,” he said.
“They have not received overtime, no leave entitlements were given to them. Nadi Contractors Ltd has not complied with any of the labour laws.
“Workers have not been paid on time previously and this time the matter has been reported to the Employment Ministry. We hope they respond and act on this.”
Mr Prasad said work at the mine was affected by the weather.
“When it rains, we can’t even enter the areas that we work,” he said.
“When we don’t work, cash flow is affected. We are still negotiating with them and looking at possible solutions to resolve this issue.”
Efforts to contact Mr Prasad following the meeting proved futile.
The company situated within the Vatukoula goldmines has been a long-term partner of Vatukoula Gold Mine Ltd. Vatukoula Gold Mine Ltd corporate services manager Dinny Laufenboeck said the dispute was between the company and its workers.
“They are a haulage company for the mine and they have done it for many years,” she said.
“The information that we have is that there was a delay in paying the employees’ wages because there was a cash flow problem. I understand that the Labour Department has been informed and I believe that they are handling the issue if the matter is not resolved.”
The Ministry for Employment confirmed receiving a report from the company and the union members.
“The ministry is aware of the incident and have taken appropriate action under the Employment Relations Act 2007 to address this issue,” a statement from the ministry to this newspaper stated.
“The ministry after investigating the case has served a 24-hour demand notice yesterday (Monday) for the payment of wages for thirty-five (35) workers. If the employer fails to pay within the given timeline, the matter will be referred to by the Employment Relations Tribunal (ERT).
“The ministry is encouraging the employer and its workers to work together in good faith and honour the terms and conditions of employment.
“Also, the employer has been urged to pay the workers their rightful dues in a timely manner. Failure to pay wages on time, the employer on conviction can face a fine not exceeding $20,000 or a term of imprisonment for five years or both for an individual while for a corporation a fine not exceeding $100,000.”
Meanwhile, police were also monitoring the situation. Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said a report was lodged with police on Monday morning.
She added meetings have been held between the disputing parties.
