The Fiji Trades Union Congress says Government’s poor response to the plight of workers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Cyclone Harold had exposed the true state of Fiji’s economy.
FTUC national secretary Felix Anthony said workers affected by COVID-19 were allowed to withdraw their retirement funds from the Fiji National Provident Fund.
“Again, with this cyclone Harold, we see the Attorney-General run fast to FNPF,” he said.
“Where is all this talk about the Fijian economy being strong with more than 10 years of unprecedented GDP growth and our reserves being the highest that we were made to believe time and again by this same Attorney-General?
“This COVID-19 crisis has exposed the fragility of the Fijian economy and the bluff that was perpetrated by this Government on the people of Fiji.
“Clearly this Government has no means to deal with this crisis on its own.
“Our reliance on FNPF and aid from other countries is worrying.
“This crisis has also exposed the lack of social safety nets for workers generally in Fiji.”
Mr Anthony said unions were “co-operating” with employers in these difficult times, particularly those who needed assistance.
“There are many employers who are simply taking advantage of the current crisis and not living up to their responsibilities.
“Many unions who have credit unions are stepping up.
“However, this is not sufficient.
“Workers in industries like the hotel and tourism industry need immediate assistance from Government but what we see is just press conferences and no mention of any plan for workers to move forward.”
Speaking at a press conference in Suva on Thursday, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said in other parts of the world, union organisations had come out and had a fund to provide assistance for their members when they had problems.
“Unfortunately in Fiji, that has not happened to date, at least regarding this pandemic,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“We’ve had submissions from FTUC prior to the budget, many of those things we have done in any case. I also understand that many of the people still working are still having their union dues cut.”
