FTUC should be the only union on ERAB - Anthony

Fiji Trades Union Congress General Secretary Felix Anthony stresses that FTUC should be the only union sitting on the Employment Relations Advisory Board with the government and the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.

While the government says that other union representatives should also make up the advisory board, Anthony says this should not happen as FTUC is the recognised body by the ILO.

When questioned by Fijivillage on why the FTUC continues to be against the idea of other unions to sit on the Employment Relations Advisory Board, Anthony says that is the only right thing to do.

The board is expected to meet on a monthly basis this year to discuss all issues regarding employment relations.

Solicitor General, Sharvada Sharma is the Chairman of the board.

Meanwhile FTUC is still refusing to sign the joint implementation report with the government and the Employers Federation.

ILO wants a joint report from the parties.

Last year a joint report was presented to ILO by the government and the employers while FTUC submitted a separate report. 

The ILO Tripartite Mission which is currently in Fiji will submit a report to the March session of the ILO Governing Body before a decision is made on whether there will be a Commission of Inquiry into Fiji.

Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum says Fiji’s laws state that employees can join a trade union.

He says if you are in a bargaining unit, you can be a member of a bargaining unit and you can also be a member of a union.

Sayed-Khaiyum adds that employees have the liberty to go on strike depending on the type of industry they are employed in.

He says workers in an essential industry can also go on strike but they have to give 14 days’ notice.