Fiji: Violations of the right to strike

1. Country, region, town or company and dates of the strike

(Asia and the Pacific) 300 plus Sheraton Hotel workers in Nadi, Fiji walked out on 31 Dcember 2013.

2. Reason and demands of the strike

Unilateral abolishment of some benefits such as sick leave and maternity leave payments

3. Measures taken by employers against striking workers

Negotiated on the spot and within few hours agreed to have proper negotiations in the coming two weeks to discuss the issues

4. Measures taken by governments to curb strikes or government action against striking workers

Labour Minister declared the walkout as an illegal strike and Police, with a large number of uniformed police officers visiting their houses, arrested 6 union leaders including the president of Fiji Trade Union Congress Daniel Urai and kept them in custody. Next day after a court hearing they were released with FJ$1,000 bail money but given a travel ban and a duty to report to the police station every Friday. One month later, the Director of Public Prosecutions removed the unlawful strike charge laid against trade unionist Daniel Urai and six Sheraton staff members.

5. Were C. 87 and the ILO supervisory mechanism used in order to protect striking workers.

The case was reported to the CFA as a part of FTUC’s complaint.