Fiji Airways has done everything possible to avoid being held accountable - Apted

Fiji Airways has done everything possible to avoid being held accountable - Apted

By Shanil Singh
11/02/2022
Constitutional lawyer Jon Apted

Constitutional lawyer Jon Apted has said in court that Fiji Airways has done everything possible to avoid being held accountable for terminating the contracts of 430 flight attendants during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji.

While giving his submission in the High today, Apted says the flight attendants who are the face of the company and sacrificed time and family life were terminated without any consultation.

He says Fiji Airways is now claiming that the decision was justified under the Employment Relations Act.

Apted says the question now is whether the company should be allowed to delay the resolution of the employees any longer and whether the court will hold their constitutional right.

He says the company has the right to terminate the contract of workers but there are certain conditions that needed to be met.

Meanwhile Fiji Airways has also made an application for leave to appeal against the Employment Relations Tribunal’s decision refusing to strike out the grievances.

Apted says the company can appeal at a later date and this should be denied because there is a liability hearing.

He adds Fiji Airways has a right to appeal if they lose the liability hearing. 227 former Fiji Airways cabin crew have taken the matter before the Employment Relations Tribunal as they had said that they were unfairly dismissed in 2020 and have filed for redress.

Fiji Airways had earlier made an application to strike out the matter brought in by the former flight attendants which was refused by the Tribunal.

Fiji Airways is represented by lawyer, Devanesh Sharma.

FEATURE NEWS
Ratu Tevita urges leaders to focus on righteous leadership
Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara has been installed as the Tui Nayau. The title was left vacant for more than 20 years following the passing of his fath...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
King Tupou VI traditionally welcomed and conferred Honorary Companion of the Order of Fiji
King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u of the Kingdom of Tonga have been traditionally welcomed at the State House, where a 100-man Guard of Honour ...
60 minutes ago

Man charged in relation to yaqona theft in Taveuni
Another man has been charged in relation to yaqona thefts on Taveuni. Police say so far five men have been arrested and charged for their alleged ...
2 hours ago

RKS pays tribute as Tui Nayau installation marks historic milestone
As the Vanua of Lau remains fully focused on the sacred installation of the Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua ko Lau, na Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, ...
2 hours ago

34-year-old man charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm as ODPP files 20 indictments in June
A 34-year-old man was charged with an act with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to a 20-year-old woman last month. This has been confirmed by ...
2 hours ago

Pacific Harbour residents relieved as NFA gets extension to relocate fire station
Residents of Pacific Harbour can breathe a sigh of relief as the National Fire Authority has now been given two to three years to move to a new ...
3 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.
1 day ago

CFL 40th Birthday
CFL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with free concert at Albert Park on ...
4 days ago

Pacific Mini Games in Palau, 2025
Full coverage of Team Fiji's journey through the 2025 Palau Games.
5 days ago

TOP