SIGTUR condemns the recent arrests of Fijian trade union leaders.

Published: 5/11/2011

SIGTUR notes with alarm the arrests of senior Fijian labour movement officials.

On 3rd November the Secretary of the Fijian Trades Union Congress was arrested. This arrest followed soon after the arrest of FTUC President Daniel Urai just last week.

The Fijian military dictatorship has a record on abuse of workplace and human rights. Grave concerns are held for the immediate welfare of both union leaders.

International trade unionists attending the People’s Forum in Perth, Western Australia last week condemned the Fijian Government for its violations of international workplace rights.

“The fact that not just one but two union leaders have been arrested and detained in Fiji within a week is an alarming and aggressive tactic by the Fijian Government,” ACTU leader Ms Kearney said.

“The intimidation of workers and their representatives in Fiji is continuing unabated despite international condemnation.

“Worker and trade union rights are a vital aspect of a democratic society.

A society in which democratic protest and protection of workers’ rights is met by government retaliation and intimidation must be condemned.

SIGTUR notes that from the beginning of this week, existing collective agreements in Fiji will be declared null and void under an undemocratic and unilateral government decree. This decree will effectively outlaw unions.

SIGTUR stands with the workers of the world in condemning the Fijian Government actions.