40 Ram Sami & Sons (Fiji) Ltd workers continue their strike for the 6th day as a collective agreement has not been reached following mediation attempts.
National Union of Workers Industrial Relations Officer Anasa Tuviniwai says the workers are not seeking a pay increase at this stage but want the terms of the collective agreement, including overtime, holiday and shift allowances, to be honoured.
He says the workers are also raising concerns about their working conditions, including inadequate personal protective equipment, long periods of standing and the condition of the restrooms.
Tuviniwai says the union raised these concerns with the Ministry of Employment after an inspection was carried out at the workplace last Friday.
He also claims that Ram Sami & Sons has brought in new workers while the union members remain on strike.
He says the union raised the issue during discussions yesterday and believes bringing in new workers is not a solution to the dispute.
Tuviniwai says this is not in good faith as new workers would be taking jobs from the workers who are on strike.
Tuviniwai says the union remains ready to reach an agreement with the company to resolve the matter.
Questions sent to Ram Sami & Sons remain unanswered.
