FTUC condemns government’s decision to place all civil servants on individual fixed term contracts

The Fiji Trades Union Congress has condemned government’s decision to place all civil servants on individual fixed term contracts saying these contracts give no protection to workers nor does it give any job security.

National Secretary Felix Anthony says these contracts are heavily in favor of government as these contracts can be terminated by just one months-notice or pay without cause.

Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had earlier said that civil servants have contracts to ensure that there is improved performance in the civil service and people are hired and promoted on merit.

Anthony says the public sector unions have reported a dispute with the Ministry of Labour.

Anthony is hoping this dispute will get government to the table for discussions. 

He says the FTUC will also report this matter to the Committee on the Application of Standards at the ILO.

Meanwhile, Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate says his office is open for discussions on the matter.