The Fiji Trades Union Congress says it understands that the current fuel crisis is beyond the control of the Fijian Government, but has raised concerns over the recent increase in fuel prices.
National Secretary Felix Anthony says they fail to understand how the crisis impacts current fuel stocks that were bought at old prices, adding that these stocks are expected to last until the end of May.
Anthony says the justification given, that higher prices would allow oil companies to purchase future fuel stock at increased costs, simply does not make sense.
He says that fuel bought at old prices and sold at higher prices would result in a windfall for fuel companies at the expense of workers and citizens.
He says if the same logic is applied to workers, then wage increases to account for future rises in the cost of living would also be justified, adding this would be more deserving than enriching fuel companies.
Anthony says that while the FTUC understands the need for restraint in the use of fuel and the measures outlined by Government, the current massive increase is totally unjustified.
He stresses that any revision in retail fuel prices should only occur when fuel is actually purchased at higher prices.
He is also calling on the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to be transparent and explain how it justified the increase, saying the Commission cannot just grant approval for price hikes without clearly explaining to the public how its decision was reached.
He warns the increase will have a drastic impact on workers, particularly those earning minimum wage, which is well below the poverty line.
Anthony says cost of everyday essentials are likely to be affected and this would put our poorest into a very precarious situation and may have serious social implications.
He says that already we see workers struggling to put decent food on the table for their families.
He stresses that it is time for Government to reconsider its stance on minimum wage and in fact all wages stipulated in the Wages Council Orders.
Anthony says the current Minimum Wage of $5 is grossly insufficient and condemns workers to perpetual poverty, and that as always the case by businesses, is endorsed without consultation or even justification where as the plight of workers takes decades.
He says the FTUC continues to campaign for a living wage which should be above the poverty line.
He says while the Government is sympathetic of the plight of fuel companies, the same should apply to the poorest and the vulnerable in our society.
FTUC is calling on the FCCC to rescind the increases it has approved until suppliers actually pay the increased price.
