Around 200 workers of the Fiji National Provident Fund who are members of the Fiji Bank and Finance Sector Employee's Union in Lautoka, Nadi, Labasa and Suva walked off their jobs at around 2pm this afternoon and their strike has been declared legal.
Speaking to Village news at the picketing site at Gordon Street, Union General Secretary Pramod Rae claims that the FNPF has not paid members any cost of living adjustment and the members were informed just earlier this week that they will not receive their annual bonus.
Acting Interim Minister for Labour Adi Laufitu Malani confirms that she has declared the strike as legal.
FNPF Officials confirms that Senior Management are currently in a meeting and will issue a statement soon.
All the FNPF offices around the country were open this afternoon and only skeletal staffs were attending to the members. Officials say those coming to their offices can expect slow service due to the lack of staff if the strike continues tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Deputy Police Commissioner Eroni Antonio said they will keep a close watch on the situation to ensure the union members remain within the law.
The FNFP management is expected to meet with the union executives later this afternoon.
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FNPF workers on strike