Hundreds of Fiji Airways and Air Terminal Services workers who were axed during the COVID-19 pandemic will soon have their jobs back, says Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Aviation Minister Viliame Gavoka.
Speaking to the media in Lautoka yesterday, he said the process to get the workers back to work has already begun.
“As you know the honourable Prime Minister has articulated the fact that we want everyone to be brought back and we are working towards that process,” Mr Gavoka said.
“I had meetings today with ATS – both the management and the workers’ representation – they will be resolving that issue.
“The message is very clear that we want everybody to go back to work.
“That is from the highest level of the coalition Government and I articulate that as it being part of my ministry.”
The Deputy PM said the ministry was focused on getting about 400 former ATS employees back on the job.
ATS chief executive officer Hare Mani said at the time the workers had to be terminated because of a 95 per cent decline in business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“For Fiji Airways we are also in the process of resolving that issue. The process will take a few days.
“But the message is very clear that the coalition Government wants everyone reinstated and come back to work and there is no ambiguity on that.
“I have given the directive and together with the Ministry of Employment, together with the Office of the Attorney-General – so we are consulting with each other and will be moving together as one on this.
“In some cases it will be immediate, in some cases will need issues that need to be resolved.
“There are some technicalities that we will need to overcome but we want everyone to know that we want them back.”
Mr Gavoka also had a message to the former employees.
“The process is taking its course. Please be patient and we are working towards it. I repeat what the Prime Minister said which is we want everyone back at work.”
More than 750 Fiji Airways staff were terminated at the start of the pandemic with managing director and CEO Andre Viljoen saying at the time it was necessary for the airline’s survival.
Fiji Flight Attendants Trade Union president Josaia McGowan said at the time his more than 400 members who were arbitrarily axed were shocked by the decision taken by the airline because they had made it clear to management they were willing to work for no pay.
The airline has not reinstated former staff and instead has been on an ongoing recruitment drive over the past few years.
