FTUC is not instructing its affiliate unions or members on who to vote for in 2018 general elections - Anthony

The National Secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress Felix Anthony says the FTUC is not instructing its affiliate unions or members on who to vote for in 2018 general elections but they are concerned that the current government shows little or no respect for workers’ rights.

Anthony has also stated that it is time for the teachers to decide for themselves on whether they want to continue to have the fixed term contracts without any collective bargaining rights or they want a more secure future in the teaching profession.

We questioned Anthony again on whether the FTUC or its affiliate unions are instructing their members on who to vote for as the unions have already stated that they are not happy with the current government’s policies for civil servants.

Anthony has denied this but has stated they are encouraged by some political parties who have said that they will work with the trade unions.

He has not named these parties.

Meanwhile, Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary, Agni Deo Singh has also denied that they are advising their members on who to vote for in the elections.

Meanwhile, former senior minister of the Fiji Labour Party Krishna Datt had told the people in a National Federation Party campaign that if teachers in the country have any self-respect, they will not vote for the FijiFirst as he says the current government has taken away the self-respect and pride of teachers.

Datt says he still works from the office at Fiji Teachers Union building and meets teachers every day.

He says he is currently writing about the history of Fiji Teachers Union.