Foreign workers are only brought in when there is no local talent available.
This was highlighted by Acting Permanent Secretary for Labour, Atish Kumar, during the Fijian Media Association Tavua Town Hall Meeting at the Golden Event Centre last night, in response to concerns raised over the employment of foreign workers.
Industrial Relations Officer for the National Union of Workers in Tavua, Satish Chandra, questioned the influx of foreign workers while local Fijians remain unemployed, citing examples from major industries and calling for prioritising citizens in job allocation.
The Acting PS says the Ministry is coordinating with the Immigration Department to regulate employment agencies and ensure foreign hiring only when local talent is unavailable.
Chandra also raised concerns over the redundancy process at FIJI Water, accusing the employer of bypassing proper consultation and violating the collective agreement.
He asked the government to intervene, halt the layoffs, and force both parties to negotiate a memorandum of agreement before any further dismissals.
He claims the company has already started sending Fijian workers home without involving the union in discussions.
He also urged that affected workers receive fair severance packages, noting they have families and limited alternative opportunities in Tavua.
Kumar responded that the matter falls under the Employment Relations Act, which mandates grievance processes, collective bargaining, and mediation.
He says employees who feel unfairly disadvantaged can lodge complaints with the Ministry of Labour, which will mediate based on the law.
When fijivillage News questioned FIJI Water in September, they confirmed the proposed headcount reduction is 51.
When asked on how the people to be laid off will be chosen, the company said this will be done following the consultation period.
They said if redundancies remain necessary, then the employees will be evaluated based on appropriate skills, capability, experience, proven flexibility to adapt in alignment with evolving business needs, best fit with overall team composition and attendance record.
They said this is expected to happen in the next 60 days.
When asked on what are the business constraints that is forcing the company to take this step, they said the need for the proposed restructure is due to the ongoing global economic uncertainty impacting businesses in every industry and sector.
They said FIJI Water has similarly faced challenges, including softening sales in key markets and flat growth over the past several years.
FIJI Water says these realities have required them to make the difficult decision to consider a workforce reduction in Fiji to create greater efficiencies in their business.
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