Veteran trade unionist Attar Singh has been appointed as a workers’ representative on the Fiji National Provident Fund Board, Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad has confirmed.
Prof Prasad said the appointment was done in consultation with the Fiji Trades Union Congress, who nominated Mr Singh.
“We have done good on our commitment that we wanted an employers’ and employees’ rep despite the fact the (FNPF) Act that was changed,” said Prof Prasad.
“For the first time after so many years, the workers in this country who own the fund, have a representative there.”
Mr Singh said yesterday his aim would be to represent workers’ interests on the board.
“We have to agree that the workers need a retirement fund and not a savings fund,” he said.
“Under the tripartite mechanisms on the board we will ensure this is followed where the policy on partial withdrawal needs to be revised.”
Mr Singh said he will also push for a revision of the pension rates.
“They are low now. There was a revision of rates in 2011 and the rates came down and pensioners also received low rates, so that has to be looked into.”
Mr Singh said the FNPF was growing and workers’ interests in FNPF investments had to be sustainable.
“Oversight is needed on these investments and as the workers’ rep, I will ensure that.”
He said at least two other workers’ representatives were needed on the FNPF Board.
