Union density dropped to 9 percent during the 16 years of previous administration's reign – Singh

The Union density which used to be around 32 to 36 percent at one time, went down to almost 9 percent according to the Fiji Traders Union resources during the 16 years of the reign of the previous administration.

Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh highlighted this during the launch of the Fishers Branch and the Renaming and Rebranding of the Transport Commerce and General Workers Union.

Singh says the decrease in this density was due to the erosion of workers' rights, all those decrees and laws that were anti-workerS and anti-trade unions.

He says the Coalition Government is happy that when they came in, they made sure that workers' rights are restored, and that the trade unions are given due recognition.

He adds they began with reviewing the essential industries listing to ensure that it complies with the International Labour Organization listing.

Singh says now, a large number of unions that were under essential industries are free to fully exercise their rights and that was something that the government did straight away.

The Minister says the workers would also be aware that the Government removed the contractual appointments of the civil servants and extended their retirement age to 60 so that employees enjoy their job security until retirement.