After Government intervention, Fiji Airways is prepared to reinstate 212 employees – Rabuka

After Government intervention, Fiji Airways is prepared to reinstate 212 employees laid off at the time of the pandemic crisis.

This has been highlighted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in his national address.

He says the airline is playing a key role in the revival of tourism, and at last count had flown in 304,688 visitors from December, 2022 to March this year.

Rabuka adds it recently started a new and potentially lucrative service to Hong Kong.

The Prime Minister says they revoked the No Jab, No Job policy which led to some workers losing their jobs.

He says some un-vaccinated citizens were not able to worship with their loved ones.

The Prime Minister says the Civil Service retirement age was increased to 60 and arrangements are being implemented to change contract appointments into permanent positions.

He also says preparations are in hand to re-establish the Higher Salaries Commission to determine and regulate salaries of Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives of public enterprises.

Rabuka says they are in the process of changing membership of Government and Statutory Boards with initial focus on the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation.

The Prime Minister says their aim is to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

He says cabinet has also approved a Public Private Partnership Affordable Housing project on six sites in the western and central divisions.

Rabuka says there are schemes for upgrading squatter or informal settlements in a number of areas.