The reinstatement of 25 Nasinu Town Council garbage collectors who were terminated in 2019 “to allow for new recruitment” was discussed in Parliament last Saturday.
National Federation Party parliamentarian Lenora Qereqeretabua raised the issue during debate on the Review Report – Audit Report of Municipal Councils for 2014-2017.
She said the employees, members of the National Union of Municipal Workers, took their grievance to the tribunal and sought compensation for their loss and humiliation as a result of the termination.
“In the ruling, the tribunal noted that the workers were terminated to allow for new recruitment,” Ms Qereqeretabua said.
“In other words, kick out the current workers, make their families suffer and then hire new workers.
“This is inhumane, to say the least. My question is, was the honourable minister aware before this mass sacking took place by the CEO and administrators of the Nasinu Town Council whose work ethnics and conduct are controlled by her ministry as they were appointed by Government and not elected.
“This is the kind of acts that were carried out by some Government-appointed administrators and CEO who answer to Government alone, not to ratepayers and the citizens.
“That is why it is vitally important that Government now put power back into the hands of the people in their towns and cities.
“Let the ratepayers and citizens determine through their elected representatives how their rates are used.”
Local Government Minister Premila Kumar did not respond to Ms Qereqeretabua in her contribution to the debate.
