ATS and Federated Airlines Staff Association now await decision on appointment of independent mediator

Both ATS and the Federated Airlines Staff Association are now awaiting official word from the Ministry of Employment on the decision to appoint an independent mediator.

Association General Secretary Vilikesa Naulumatua says they are waiting for ATS to go back to the ministry about an independent mediator.

When asked by Fijivillage, Naulumatua maintains that the 170 workers will remain outside even when mediation starts because they still do not want to sign the Return to Work letters which says that they were misguided and would not be sacked for their actions.

Naulumatua says they will discuss that issue during the mediation process.

When asked on the independent mediator, Acting CEO of ATS Hare Mani says ATS will be guided by the Ministry of Employment if it decides to go that way.

Mani stresses that the union has not been in touch with ATS at all about anything on returning to work or mediation talks.

He says 31 striking workers are now back at work.

170 remain outside.

The total workforce of ATS is 639.