Pursue negotiated settlement on pay issues of FSC workers

The People's Democratic Party has suggested that all the parties concerned should negotiate and resolve the pay issues faced by the workers of Fiji Sugar Corporation.

The party said the government must recognize that trade union leaders have the mandate to represent their members and urged FSC to enter into dialogue to resolve the issue.

Spokesperson Nirmal Singh has also urged the union leaders to consider the wider interest of the sugar industry and to pursue a negotiated settlement before proceeding to strike action.

He said threats and counter threats will only undermine the industry further.

Meanwhile, the Sugar Ministry said it will ensure that the four sugar mills continue to operate if the Fiji Sugar General Workers Union members go on strike during the current crushing season.

Permanent Secretary, Lt Colonel Manasa Vaniqi hopes good sense will prevail and the workers do not go on strike.

Lt Colonel Vaniqi said there are 2,000 workers at FSC and 455 union members have voted for strike action.

Also Attorney General and Minister for Industry and Trade, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had said in an earlier interview that strike is not the answer as it would hurt everyone.

Sayed-Khaiyum said the Fiji Sugar Corporation is now bringing in the benefits for the workers as it has started bouncing back.
 
FSC had confirmed earlier that more than 2,000 mill workers have received a 5.3% pay increase, equal access to health insurance and access to the special welfare fund.

The health insurance is now being available to all workers, with FSC paying for 50% of the premium.

When Fijivillage questioned union General Secretary, Felix Anthony, he refused to reveal the level of increase that the union is demanding.

He said they will only tell FSC when it sits at the negotiation table.

Anthony said their strike mandate is valid during the crushing season and they will make further decisions soon.

Story by: Ronal Deo